Australian IT - Google bosses soar up rich list:
"GOOGLE's mammoth initial public offering has netted its two co-founders an interesting side benefit: an entree into the upper echelons of Forbes magazine's list of the 400 richest Americans."
The two Google bosses are edging to the top of the list and not a bad effort, if you just look at money and nothing else, considering Google was just a search engine and the whole Google thing has just grown and grown because people like Googling and people don't mind Google ads. It is something which has just meshed with us all over the world. Mr. Gates is top of the list for the 11th year in a row and many of the top money earners are from technology in America. But, there's hope. Sport investment is also adding to increased wealth. No wonder they want everything on computers, heh?? I wouldn't mind betting if the wealth were spread evenly in America , they c.ould still have the lifestyle and everyone would be comfortable and living well. I know you can't think like that to be rich, and that's probably why I am not!
Friday, September 30, 2005
Civil libertarians have rights
The Advertiser: Civil libertarians have rights:
"CIVIL libertarians had a right to express their point of view, misguided as some of them might be, Prime Minister John Howard said today"
There it is again. "The civil libertarians". We are a free country? Or we were. Why the us and them mentality? Why the heroes and villains? Why the one thought ,one action? The for us or against us? Any changes in normal policy ought to be dicussed well. Thoroughly. All points of view should be considered. Those looking at the disadvantages of the new counter terror laws are simply that. Those looking at the disadvantages. If we have an open hearing on what is advantageous and what is disadvantageous, we shall make solid and sensible decisions. If I am going to make a decision of some import, I always run it past at least 3 trusted people to canvas their opinion. If you are for something, you are always biased and do not see the pitfalls. You need others to look out for the potholes. They are not the enemy, nor are they misguided. They are at least as intelligent and have probably as much experience, so their point of view is worth listening to and then maybe the changes brought about will work more easily because you KNOW all the pitfalls. It's just wise decision making strategy. The airhead approach, where there is no thorough discussion , is far too airy fairy for serious, far reaching decisions.
"CIVIL libertarians had a right to express their point of view, misguided as some of them might be, Prime Minister John Howard said today"
There it is again. "The civil libertarians". We are a free country? Or we were. Why the us and them mentality? Why the heroes and villains? Why the one thought ,one action? The for us or against us? Any changes in normal policy ought to be dicussed well. Thoroughly. All points of view should be considered. Those looking at the disadvantages of the new counter terror laws are simply that. Those looking at the disadvantages. If we have an open hearing on what is advantageous and what is disadvantageous, we shall make solid and sensible decisions. If I am going to make a decision of some import, I always run it past at least 3 trusted people to canvas their opinion. If you are for something, you are always biased and do not see the pitfalls. You need others to look out for the potholes. They are not the enemy, nor are they misguided. They are at least as intelligent and have probably as much experience, so their point of view is worth listening to and then maybe the changes brought about will work more easily because you KNOW all the pitfalls. It's just wise decision making strategy. The airhead approach, where there is no thorough discussion , is far too airy fairy for serious, far reaching decisions.
Drug accused face court.
Drug accused face court. :
"Some of the seven people arrested during police raids on properties around Adelaide have been granted bail after appearing in court this afternoon."
Police and customs are really on the ball with the drug stuff lately. People at work this morning were complaining about the police helicopter keeping them awake from 4am onwards and they thought it was to do with the graffiti gangs, but were disgusted to find they had been kept awake all night just for the spray cans to be found and the kids to escape! There were hoots of dismay! Maybe it was drug busts as well and we weren't told. People really don't mind the helicopter being out and about because, as I have said earlier, in Adelaide we are quite happy to work with authorities if we know they are doing their job and we know what it's about. We are normally spoken to quite well on TV or radio about local issues and what the police or whoever are doing. Some people have taken to keeping earplugs by their beds and some sleeping masks! We do try and fit in because we really are fed up with the anti social ones spoiling the neighbourhood for the rest of us. It's something we have been changing bit by bit with this new roll we are on. Their in a real sense of community coming back. The team effort. So, well done folks! Me? I never hear anything. I sometimes hear the helicopter late at night, but it doesn't wake me up if it's during the night.
"Some of the seven people arrested during police raids on properties around Adelaide have been granted bail after appearing in court this afternoon."
Police and customs are really on the ball with the drug stuff lately. People at work this morning were complaining about the police helicopter keeping them awake from 4am onwards and they thought it was to do with the graffiti gangs, but were disgusted to find they had been kept awake all night just for the spray cans to be found and the kids to escape! There were hoots of dismay! Maybe it was drug busts as well and we weren't told. People really don't mind the helicopter being out and about because, as I have said earlier, in Adelaide we are quite happy to work with authorities if we know they are doing their job and we know what it's about. We are normally spoken to quite well on TV or radio about local issues and what the police or whoever are doing. Some people have taken to keeping earplugs by their beds and some sleeping masks! We do try and fit in because we really are fed up with the anti social ones spoiling the neighbourhood for the rest of us. It's something we have been changing bit by bit with this new roll we are on. Their in a real sense of community coming back. The team effort. So, well done folks! Me? I never hear anything. I sometimes hear the helicopter late at night, but it doesn't wake me up if it's during the night.
Questions raised over passport ID technology.
Questions raised over passport ID technology. :
"'I'm very concerned because this is, in fact, going to make it easier for identity fraud to occur because all someone has to do is get hold of the passport or other identifying document or hack into a database and then they'll have access to all of that information,' he said."
It's weird how anyone who questions a new policy or prcedure is called a "civil libertarian". Really weird. I know we cannot live in the past, but before, if we could foresee problems with protocol or new methods we were called "helpful". It used to be good for people to find the pitfalls in thigs. I remember reading on the Net earlier this year that the Germans had worked out a digital photo of an eye will pass an iris test and the lovely little Gummi bears can be melted and will make good fake fingerprint casts which will get by a fingerprint machine. Add that to the fact we have now had the issue raised that this biometric data will be stored on a computer, then yes, it's a very real point. People can and do hack systems and people can and do fake passports and people can and do steal ID and there we are handing it onto anyone who cares to hack. It's a damn good point. It's not about civil liberties , it's about security isn't it? I cannot stand how personal data is stored on networked computers which are rarely in safe places. There is a blatant disregard for our individuality on the pretext we are being protected. No-o! We are being exposed. I thought we were beefing up security? This really is an airhead approach. The time of the airhead is gone. Finished. Get over it and make an intelligent approach to safeguarding the nation and people's identities.I am not a civil libertarian. I am anti airhead.
"'I'm very concerned because this is, in fact, going to make it easier for identity fraud to occur because all someone has to do is get hold of the passport or other identifying document or hack into a database and then they'll have access to all of that information,' he said."
It's weird how anyone who questions a new policy or prcedure is called a "civil libertarian". Really weird. I know we cannot live in the past, but before, if we could foresee problems with protocol or new methods we were called "helpful". It used to be good for people to find the pitfalls in thigs. I remember reading on the Net earlier this year that the Germans had worked out a digital photo of an eye will pass an iris test and the lovely little Gummi bears can be melted and will make good fake fingerprint casts which will get by a fingerprint machine. Add that to the fact we have now had the issue raised that this biometric data will be stored on a computer, then yes, it's a very real point. People can and do hack systems and people can and do fake passports and people can and do steal ID and there we are handing it onto anyone who cares to hack. It's a damn good point. It's not about civil liberties , it's about security isn't it? I cannot stand how personal data is stored on networked computers which are rarely in safe places. There is a blatant disregard for our individuality on the pretext we are being protected. No-o! We are being exposed. I thought we were beefing up security? This really is an airhead approach. The time of the airhead is gone. Finished. Get over it and make an intelligent approach to safeguarding the nation and people's identities.I am not a civil libertarian. I am anti airhead.
The Company
I have just seen the DVD of Robert Altman's (Gosford Park)
The Company
What a delight. It's about the wonderful The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. The company dances in the film but the film is quite normal. It's about the lives of dancers:how they live, think , feel. Their snapped tendons, the joy in dance, their frustrations, their normal everyday lives as dancers. This is juxtaposed to the inspirational dancing in the film. The fluidity, the imagination, the finesse are all entrancing. I was wondering how a place like Chicago produces something so wonderfully delicate and beautiful. But then the Ruhr Valley in Germany gave birth to many inspired painters. Why do we see so little of this side of America? We see the endless crash films, the endless stupid teen films. The tanks, guns, soldiers. Why do we never see this beautiful art hidden in America? The dancers are so breathtaking and the routines are a fluid link between body and material. Real and ethereal. Made in 2003 I am not surprised it has taken me 2 years to find this film. It should have been show cased. I can't say that I am a passionate follower of dance. I can say that I shall be looking our for more of this company. Great film for when you're jaded and fed up. It spins a web around you and loses you in creativity. I love all of that.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Undersea volcano
The Earth Institute at Columbia University:
"The yet-unnamed volcano is significant in that it exists on a continental shelf (in this case, on the edge of the Antarctic continental mass) and in the vicinity of a deep trough across the seafloor carved out by past glacial expansion."
We have an undersea volcano on the edge of Antarctica. Apparently there are more of them around the world. There's one near Samoa will swarms of eels in it. New Zealand and the USA have jointly been studying South Pacific Volcanos
How can they be volcanos if they are under the ocean? Do they have to match certain criteria? Do they erupt? How can they generate heat with that much ocean water on and around them?
"The yet-unnamed volcano is significant in that it exists on a continental shelf (in this case, on the edge of the Antarctic continental mass) and in the vicinity of a deep trough across the seafloor carved out by past glacial expansion."
We have an undersea volcano on the edge of Antarctica. Apparently there are more of them around the world. There's one near Samoa will swarms of eels in it. New Zealand and the USA have jointly been studying South Pacific Volcanos
How can they be volcanos if they are under the ocean? Do they have to match certain criteria? Do they erupt? How can they generate heat with that much ocean water on and around them?
Aceh
Channelnewsasia.com:
"Before the tsunami, it used to cost 2,000 rupiah per square metre, now it is 8,000 rupiah.
NGOs such as the Salvation Army and Mercy Corp were even quoted 15,000 rupiah per square metre for the housing projects they were proposing."
Aceh. The place we all talked about. We still do. The people of Aceh are not forgotten and their courage, spirit and resilience have been tested beyond imagination. They are still there. They are living in overcrowed conditions, some in tents. There is no real work and they are still rained on and still have earth tremors. These people have taken so much and survived so much. Some are grateful that they do not have to live in tents. This puts so much into perspective. It has been hard to resolve because their area still has problems from a biodiversity point of view and it would be silly to go ahead building and changing if it is all going to be shaken down or washed away with all the rains. 10,000 people are part of the NGO cash for work programmes. If only things could move along faster. Today we saw a school that was built by Troy Broadbridge's widow and football team in Thailand. That was a good story to see. Aceh hasn't has it so easy because the land is unstable. I look forward to hearing the good news from Aceh in the not too distant future and maybe see them in some swish pole houses.
"Before the tsunami, it used to cost 2,000 rupiah per square metre, now it is 8,000 rupiah.
NGOs such as the Salvation Army and Mercy Corp were even quoted 15,000 rupiah per square metre for the housing projects they were proposing."
Aceh. The place we all talked about. We still do. The people of Aceh are not forgotten and their courage, spirit and resilience have been tested beyond imagination. They are still there. They are living in overcrowed conditions, some in tents. There is no real work and they are still rained on and still have earth tremors. These people have taken so much and survived so much. Some are grateful that they do not have to live in tents. This puts so much into perspective. It has been hard to resolve because their area still has problems from a biodiversity point of view and it would be silly to go ahead building and changing if it is all going to be shaken down or washed away with all the rains. 10,000 people are part of the NGO cash for work programmes. If only things could move along faster. Today we saw a school that was built by Troy Broadbridge's widow and football team in Thailand. That was a good story to see. Aceh hasn't has it so easy because the land is unstable. I look forward to hearing the good news from Aceh in the not too distant future and maybe see them in some swish pole houses.
Record Arctic ice melt
The Australian: Record Arctic ice melt:
"Most scientists believe greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide that is released mainly from vehicles and utility smokestacks, cause global warming by trapping solar heat in the atmosphere. Many believe global warming can lead to catastrophic consequences, including raising sea levels and strengthening weather events such as hurricanes."
This news is alarming, to say the least. Thre are broad patterns which are quite noticeable and experts far greater than I are commenting upon and we just ignore them and we carry on as though we need have no concern. We should be galvanised into action by now. The Arctic melting and never recovering ought to make us want to change our ways. The increase in hurricanes ought to make us want to change our ways. Oceans are getting warmer, rains are deluges. Don't you think we need to do something about it? Or shall we wait till the wheels fall off?
"Most scientists believe greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide that is released mainly from vehicles and utility smokestacks, cause global warming by trapping solar heat in the atmosphere. Many believe global warming can lead to catastrophic consequences, including raising sea levels and strengthening weather events such as hurricanes."
This news is alarming, to say the least. Thre are broad patterns which are quite noticeable and experts far greater than I are commenting upon and we just ignore them and we carry on as though we need have no concern. We should be galvanised into action by now. The Arctic melting and never recovering ought to make us want to change our ways. The increase in hurricanes ought to make us want to change our ways. Oceans are getting warmer, rains are deluges. Don't you think we need to do something about it? Or shall we wait till the wheels fall off?
Uniform curriculum urged
The Advertiser: Uniform curriculum urged:
"Federal Education Minister Brendan Nelson yesterday released the Benchmarking Australian Primary School Curricula report as part of his ongoing push for an overhaul of the education system."
There has been all this silence, all this lack of action and suddenly, for the last fortnight, at least , Brendon Nelson has been in the news with something or another to do with teachers and schools. On and on. Every day. Clearly he has an agenda, but he has been on about everything so no-one knows exactly what he is trying to achieve other than drive us crazy. The other opinion we have is while he has been keeping this up, Jayne Lomax-Smith, our minister for education here, has been looking better and better. She talks a lot of sense. People know her. People see her in their areas and people are starting to say now she should consider being a federal minister. That is how good Brendan Nelson has made Jane Lomax-Smith look....so keep it up, young man, you are doing her the world of good!!
"Federal Education Minister Brendan Nelson yesterday released the Benchmarking Australian Primary School Curricula report as part of his ongoing push for an overhaul of the education system."
There has been all this silence, all this lack of action and suddenly, for the last fortnight, at least , Brendon Nelson has been in the news with something or another to do with teachers and schools. On and on. Every day. Clearly he has an agenda, but he has been on about everything so no-one knows exactly what he is trying to achieve other than drive us crazy. The other opinion we have is while he has been keeping this up, Jayne Lomax-Smith, our minister for education here, has been looking better and better. She talks a lot of sense. People know her. People see her in their areas and people are starting to say now she should consider being a federal minister. That is how good Brendan Nelson has made Jane Lomax-Smith look....so keep it up, young man, you are doing her the world of good!!
Nuna 3
Here is the Dutch solar car Nuna 3 which travelled the 3000Km from Darwin to Adelaide and won the race by beating its own record. Our own Team Aurora came in 2nd, 3 hours behind them because the weather had gone dull and disgusting. The University of Michigan team came in third. Great race this year and some fantastic outback spirit. Well done to Nuna 3.
More rocks thrown at Adelaide traffic.
More rocks thrown at Adelaide traffic.:
"Police are investigating two more incidents of rock throwing at traffic in suburban Adelaide."
Came as a shock to other suburbs, they too could have rock throwers. Best thing that has happened in a way because now I understand why their has been a reluctance to deal with it. People believe quite wrongly that the southern suburbs are places where anti social behaviour occurs. Truth is, I moved from a post code preferred area to the southern areas, not only because there are better resources and venues for children, but because I feel safer here. The postcode preferred area had the attitude I saw on the news tonight. "Doesn't happen in our suburb". "We're not like that". The belief it's north or south for society's ills in Adelaide is the biggest delusion we carry and it immobilises us. Because the southern people and northern people aren't worth it. Well, think again Adelaide. They have apprehended one rock thrower and we are on a roll here. Adelaide police, bus companies and ambulances have gone away and they have come out thinking and had some typically successful Adelaide results. After one day of a changed approach, we have got one. Now we need to keep it up and keep the team effort going.
While I am on about team effort , the police and ambulance teams staged a "real" road accident for the students at one of our high schools. The full box and dice. No toning down. The acting looked very authentic. The students thought it was real and the impact on the students was a bullseye. They finally got it. Our news showed parts of it and I have to say the approach was brilliant and the success of getting the message through was heartwarming. There is no use pussy footing around. Our kids are killing themselves and we have tried to get through in a rational, logical way. Well, a "real" accident worked. Truth speaks louder than fiction. Great approach and hopefully now, we have some chance of kids learning to keep themselves alive. They do not respond to reason. They respond to "reality."
"Police are investigating two more incidents of rock throwing at traffic in suburban Adelaide."
Came as a shock to other suburbs, they too could have rock throwers. Best thing that has happened in a way because now I understand why their has been a reluctance to deal with it. People believe quite wrongly that the southern suburbs are places where anti social behaviour occurs. Truth is, I moved from a post code preferred area to the southern areas, not only because there are better resources and venues for children, but because I feel safer here. The postcode preferred area had the attitude I saw on the news tonight. "Doesn't happen in our suburb". "We're not like that". The belief it's north or south for society's ills in Adelaide is the biggest delusion we carry and it immobilises us. Because the southern people and northern people aren't worth it. Well, think again Adelaide. They have apprehended one rock thrower and we are on a roll here. Adelaide police, bus companies and ambulances have gone away and they have come out thinking and had some typically successful Adelaide results. After one day of a changed approach, we have got one. Now we need to keep it up and keep the team effort going.
While I am on about team effort , the police and ambulance teams staged a "real" road accident for the students at one of our high schools. The full box and dice. No toning down. The acting looked very authentic. The students thought it was real and the impact on the students was a bullseye. They finally got it. Our news showed parts of it and I have to say the approach was brilliant and the success of getting the message through was heartwarming. There is no use pussy footing around. Our kids are killing themselves and we have tried to get through in a rational, logical way. Well, a "real" accident worked. Truth speaks louder than fiction. Great approach and hopefully now, we have some chance of kids learning to keep themselves alive. They do not respond to reason. They respond to "reality."
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Spillchchucker
Mystery. Mystère. No I am not paranoid. But I tell you, the Blogger spillchucker is running amok. That or the Java Nullpoint beast has a penchant for scrabble games. When I post, my spelling is fine. I reread my posts and the spelling is fine. Then I come back and letters are missing. Letters are transposed. Some posts have a tendency to be more affected than others. Some posts remain perfectly pristine in their spelling. So no, I am not some raving, drivelling idiot who has no keyboard control and a complete disregard for the intricacies of English spelling. Nor do I suffer from a lack of sentence control. There is a scrabble maniac who pinches my letters at Blogger. I want the offending spellwrecker apprehended immediately and sentenced to severe literary liturgies until they understand that spelling is sacred and should not be messed with.
All Purpose Coconuts
Private Solutions - All Purpose Coconuts:
"A Thai farmer from a rural province south of Bangkok has found yet another use for the versatile coconut. Not only does its flesh provide food, its trunk supply wood, and its juice make a delicious drink, but now Kitti Maneesrikul is using its oil to fuel the family truck."
They use it in Thailand too. Now methinks it would be a great way of helping developing nations. The perfect think for them to supply a bowser wowser global market. Income for them. A crop they already know how to produce with byproducts they are already familiar with. And it means our oceans don't get polluted with oil slicks. Yes!!! Okay, so what is the down side of this? I haven't read anything which tells me there is a down side. They use it to run ferries in Thailand. Why can't we? Can planes run on coconuts?
"A Thai farmer from a rural province south of Bangkok has found yet another use for the versatile coconut. Not only does its flesh provide food, its trunk supply wood, and its juice make a delicious drink, but now Kitti Maneesrikul is using its oil to fuel the family truck."
They use it in Thailand too. Now methinks it would be a great way of helping developing nations. The perfect think for them to supply a bowser wowser global market. Income for them. A crop they already know how to produce with byproducts they are already familiar with. And it means our oceans don't get polluted with oil slicks. Yes!!! Okay, so what is the down side of this? I haven't read anything which tells me there is a down side. They use it to run ferries in Thailand. Why can't we? Can planes run on coconuts?
Coconut Fuel in Noumea
Coconut Fuel in Noumea, New Caledonia:
"Good question. First today we officially in USA, Europe and I
suppose the same in Australia we have some standards of the quality of
the exhaust gas OK but they are standards, looking only at certain
parameters. Gases like CO2 and NO2 etc. For those gases the copra oil
is quite less polluting than the diesel oil."
Well, there you go. I thank Cannonfire (link right)for getting me on to coconut fuel. Now I see copra oil is used in Nounea and that's only 2 hours form Sydney. We live in the South Pacific. Why do we not benefit from it? I want to run my car on coconuts. That is heaps more fun...and cocnut trees are brilliant. Besides, green coconut juice is THE best drink I have ever tasted on a hot day. Let's go team...and get the price of this stuff down, because it doesn't pollute. We have to think outside the oil rig.
"Good question. First today we officially in USA, Europe and I
suppose the same in Australia we have some standards of the quality of
the exhaust gas OK but they are standards, looking only at certain
parameters. Gases like CO2 and NO2 etc. For those gases the copra oil
is quite less polluting than the diesel oil."
Well, there you go. I thank Cannonfire (link right)for getting me on to coconut fuel. Now I see copra oil is used in Nounea and that's only 2 hours form Sydney. We live in the South Pacific. Why do we not benefit from it? I want to run my car on coconuts. That is heaps more fun...and cocnut trees are brilliant. Besides, green coconut juice is THE best drink I have ever tasted on a hot day. Let's go team...and get the price of this stuff down, because it doesn't pollute. We have to think outside the oil rig.
Coconut oil as an alternative fuel
In Vanuatu, a proving ground for coconut oil as an alternative fuel :
"Mr. Deamer himself continues to operate about a dozen vehicles on a pure coconut oil fuel, which is not subject to the new excise tax on petroleum mixtures. Now, he and another local coconut fuel producer are working with the Government to change the excise tax and/or to explore alternatives, such as mixing coconut oil with alcohol or converting more vehicles to run on the pure stuff."
Hook up a straw to the dashboard, get some pineapple juice, a cherry , a little paper umbrella and you can have a lovely refreshing cocktail straight from your fuel tank. Beats stressing over fuel prices!
"Mr. Deamer himself continues to operate about a dozen vehicles on a pure coconut oil fuel, which is not subject to the new excise tax on petroleum mixtures. Now, he and another local coconut fuel producer are working with the Government to change the excise tax and/or to explore alternatives, such as mixing coconut oil with alcohol or converting more vehicles to run on the pure stuff."
Hook up a straw to the dashboard, get some pineapple juice, a cherry , a little paper umbrella and you can have a lovely refreshing cocktail straight from your fuel tank. Beats stressing over fuel prices!
Alternative Fuel
If you are frustrated by the price of fuel, Cannonfire has a link to an article about the Coconut oil fuel developed in Vanuatu (only 3 hours flight from Sydney, folks) and The Alternative-fuel Vehicle Directory has hundreds of alphabetised links to alternative fuel sites. You can even download activities for the kiddies to get them thinking in the right direction. Petrol has to go. It is not a reliable source of fuel.
Rita survivors
Rescue workers search for Rita survivors :
"Rescue teams searched for people stranded in Louisiana's flooded Cajun country while Texas officials urged nearly 3 million evacuees from Hurricane Rita not to rush home."
The Katrina and Rita hurricanes haven't left our conversations, but , to be honest, the American government has made it very difficult for the rest of the world to help and show concern. I can see and read about the American people getting in there doing what they can do to be a community and help each other. I can see a great big bureaucracy tying itself in knots and making people feel like failures. From where I sit, it is not the time right now to get stuck into each other. Keep all those ideas fresh in your head for a review down the track. I have read the American government hadn't wanted certain offers of practical medical help or this or that. It is very hard to stand by and watch and know we could be of some service. You know, the lesson the American government needs to learn is to hold its hand out and ask for help. New Orleans and the other hurricane affected areas look awful. People's houses and homes are under water. People have nothing. Things cannot happen fast enough at this point in time. There are gas leaks, oil leaks, oil production is down, the electricity is off. Millions and millions of people have fled, billions of dollars worth of damage has been done and you are trying to cope alone. I can see sad Americans who have been victims of all of this and sad Americans being held to account and then just walking off the job. By all means get it all sorted out as to who could have done better and how and why it all went wrong. Right now, it's all hands on deck to get those places fixed up . While people are being discouraged from returning home, how are they managing and how are they supposed to manage? Don't think we are not thinking of you and do not think we do not care about you. We are talking and watching but there isn't an easy way for us to assist through the channels provided by officials.
"Rescue teams searched for people stranded in Louisiana's flooded Cajun country while Texas officials urged nearly 3 million evacuees from Hurricane Rita not to rush home."
The Katrina and Rita hurricanes haven't left our conversations, but , to be honest, the American government has made it very difficult for the rest of the world to help and show concern. I can see and read about the American people getting in there doing what they can do to be a community and help each other. I can see a great big bureaucracy tying itself in knots and making people feel like failures. From where I sit, it is not the time right now to get stuck into each other. Keep all those ideas fresh in your head for a review down the track. I have read the American government hadn't wanted certain offers of practical medical help or this or that. It is very hard to stand by and watch and know we could be of some service. You know, the lesson the American government needs to learn is to hold its hand out and ask for help. New Orleans and the other hurricane affected areas look awful. People's houses and homes are under water. People have nothing. Things cannot happen fast enough at this point in time. There are gas leaks, oil leaks, oil production is down, the electricity is off. Millions and millions of people have fled, billions of dollars worth of damage has been done and you are trying to cope alone. I can see sad Americans who have been victims of all of this and sad Americans being held to account and then just walking off the job. By all means get it all sorted out as to who could have done better and how and why it all went wrong. Right now, it's all hands on deck to get those places fixed up . While people are being discouraged from returning home, how are they managing and how are they supposed to manage? Don't think we are not thinking of you and do not think we do not care about you. We are talking and watching but there isn't an easy way for us to assist through the channels provided by officials.
Blogging confuses Britain
Australian IT - Blogging confuses Britain:
"PROPONENTS of the latest web trends were have been warned that the rest of the world may not have a clue what they are talking about."
Not surprised if they write and speak like that. How did that sentence get to press? Britain isn't confused by blogging.They are well in control of it. They have some landmark blog sites and their capacity to blog when they live elsewhere is duly noted. The article went off on a tangent with the terms dogging and happy slapping and then returned to the point in hand..British people being confused by blogging. Their point being, I think, there is no British buzz about blogging. Could have fooled me. The British blogs are quite noteworthy and make a mark. I guess the blogosphre is akin to another country. Not all people speak the language and not all people know where the blogosphere is. Blogland is quite easy to find, but a many people are ignorant of other countries. That doesn't mean the country doesn't exist and doesn't have an innate value. I was asked where the Isle of Man was today and what it was like and if they had their own language. Doesn't in anyway devalue the Isle of Man.
The Isle of Man , incidentally, is between England and Ireland and the people there are very busy and proud of their island.
"PROPONENTS of the latest web trends were have been warned that the rest of the world may not have a clue what they are talking about."
Not surprised if they write and speak like that. How did that sentence get to press? Britain isn't confused by blogging.They are well in control of it. They have some landmark blog sites and their capacity to blog when they live elsewhere is duly noted. The article went off on a tangent with the terms dogging and happy slapping and then returned to the point in hand..British people being confused by blogging. Their point being, I think, there is no British buzz about blogging. Could have fooled me. The British blogs are quite noteworthy and make a mark. I guess the blogosphre is akin to another country. Not all people speak the language and not all people know where the blogosphere is. Blogland is quite easy to find, but a many people are ignorant of other countries. That doesn't mean the country doesn't exist and doesn't have an innate value. I was asked where the Isle of Man was today and what it was like and if they had their own language. Doesn't in anyway devalue the Isle of Man.
The Isle of Man , incidentally, is between England and Ireland and the people there are very busy and proud of their island.
Dutch win world solar challenge
Dutch car powers to solar win. :
"It broke its own race record of 30 hours and 54 minutes, which was set in 2003."
The Dutch have won the World Solar Challenge again and they were so happy. They are incredibly relaxed, enthusiastic and careful in their approach. It's their 3rd win and this one is impressive because they cut so much time off their record. They were averaging about 103Km per hour which is a great speed to be traveling at. This is a 3000Km race across some very harsh country. The weather managed to hold off until later this afternoon, but it has become quite dark, wet and gloomy. We were waiting at about five to hear whether our Australian entry came in second or third. It's been a very fast, pretty efficient race this year and I guess a turning point for solar power.
"It broke its own race record of 30 hours and 54 minutes, which was set in 2003."
The Dutch have won the World Solar Challenge again and they were so happy. They are incredibly relaxed, enthusiastic and careful in their approach. It's their 3rd win and this one is impressive because they cut so much time off their record. They were averaging about 103Km per hour which is a great speed to be traveling at. This is a 3000Km race across some very harsh country. The weather managed to hold off until later this afternoon, but it has become quite dark, wet and gloomy. We were waiting at about five to hear whether our Australian entry came in second or third. It's been a very fast, pretty efficient race this year and I guess a turning point for solar power.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
World Solar Challenge
WSC:
"Known as 'Brain-Sport' the World Solar Challenge participants will traverse more than 3,000km over the Australian continent - from tropical Darwin to balmy Adelaide, in cars powered by nothing more than the sun."
The 8th World Solar challenge is still going well and the maps and details are on this site. It gives satellite map tracking, results and all sorts of wonderful information which will surprise and delight you!! The cars should reach Adelaide tomorrow, but we have bad weather forecast. Whether that will impact on them or not remains to be seen, but we were told to expect hail!!! This is spring!!
"Known as 'Brain-Sport' the World Solar Challenge participants will traverse more than 3,000km over the Australian continent - from tropical Darwin to balmy Adelaide, in cars powered by nothing more than the sun."
The 8th World Solar challenge is still going well and the maps and details are on this site. It gives satellite map tracking, results and all sorts of wonderful information which will surprise and delight you!! The cars should reach Adelaide tomorrow, but we have bad weather forecast. Whether that will impact on them or not remains to be seen, but we were told to expect hail!!! This is spring!!
School bloggers suspended
Australian IT - School bloggers suspended :
"Seven secondary schools and two junior colleges have also got tough on penalised students for making offensive remarks about teachers on blogs: one secondary school student who called a teacher a 'prude' and a 'frustrated old spinster' on her blog was ordered to remove the remarks."
Yes, I am sure it would be hurtful to teachers to hear such comments, but I remember saying things like that about my teachers and still respect their capacity to teach me well. I am very grateful for all those ancient, weirdo teachers I have for doing such a good job with me and my brain. I still thought they were old fuddy duddies at the time. I didn't have the Net, though. The one thing which is clear from the Singaporean kid blogs is that the kids work extremely hard and take their studies very seriously. I hope the world is still allowed to see students who are totally commited to their learning and have a real concern for test and exam results. The blogs make it quite clear there are very high expectations in the Singaporean schools and the kids , I guess, use their blogs to deal with the pressure. They do need to learn they can't say everything, but they are kids and my impression is they are working hard. I think they are harsher on each other than they are on the teachers. I rarely read anything about the teachers, but as I said, it would hurt teachers to hear they have been maligned on line.
"Seven secondary schools and two junior colleges have also got tough on penalised students for making offensive remarks about teachers on blogs: one secondary school student who called a teacher a 'prude' and a 'frustrated old spinster' on her blog was ordered to remove the remarks."
Yes, I am sure it would be hurtful to teachers to hear such comments, but I remember saying things like that about my teachers and still respect their capacity to teach me well. I am very grateful for all those ancient, weirdo teachers I have for doing such a good job with me and my brain. I still thought they were old fuddy duddies at the time. I didn't have the Net, though. The one thing which is clear from the Singaporean kid blogs is that the kids work extremely hard and take their studies very seriously. I hope the world is still allowed to see students who are totally commited to their learning and have a real concern for test and exam results. The blogs make it quite clear there are very high expectations in the Singaporean schools and the kids , I guess, use their blogs to deal with the pressure. They do need to learn they can't say everything, but they are kids and my impression is they are working hard. I think they are harsher on each other than they are on the teachers. I rarely read anything about the teachers, but as I said, it would hurt teachers to hear they have been maligned on line.
Police act on rock attack cowards
Police act on rock attack cowards :
"As the State Government yesterday offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of rock-throwers, police began special southern-suburbs patrols timed to run until the end of school holidays on October 16."
Finally! We didn't know what to do and I guess we thought it would go away because some things are transitory. But enough is enough and if this really is kids, then they have rocks in their heads and they are alarmingly anti social and I'd go so far as to say amoral because no one in their right mind would throw rocks at a bus or drivers. I sort of understand, but don't condone the dropping of things off a bridge. It is the sort of things kids will do without thinking of the cars beneath. Kids and bridges have historically had a long association, but launching attacks against buses and car drivers is premeditated and planned and these kids have cars, so they are not that young. They also have to plan getting rocks. So it is not a silly kid act. Having said that, I feel better and can now say we seem to be coming up with a great number of ideas for licking this problem. Team effort. We have to nail it. It is too cruel to allow it to continue.
"As the State Government yesterday offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of rock-throwers, police began special southern-suburbs patrols timed to run until the end of school holidays on October 16."
Finally! We didn't know what to do and I guess we thought it would go away because some things are transitory. But enough is enough and if this really is kids, then they have rocks in their heads and they are alarmingly anti social and I'd go so far as to say amoral because no one in their right mind would throw rocks at a bus or drivers. I sort of understand, but don't condone the dropping of things off a bridge. It is the sort of things kids will do without thinking of the cars beneath. Kids and bridges have historically had a long association, but launching attacks against buses and car drivers is premeditated and planned and these kids have cars, so they are not that young. They also have to plan getting rocks. So it is not a silly kid act. Having said that, I feel better and can now say we seem to be coming up with a great number of ideas for licking this problem. Team effort. We have to nail it. It is too cruel to allow it to continue.
Don Adams
I cannot let today go by without saying it is sad to hear about the death of Don Adams even though he was 82 and can be deemed to have had a long and good life. I loved Maxwell Smart. I always wanted a shoe phone and for all the technology we have come up with, we just keep overlooking that shoe phone. Good bye agent 86, thank you for hours and hours of good fun and crazy wit.
Draft counter-terror laws
The Advertiser: Draft terror laws ready in weeks:
"PRIME Minister John Howard said today the Federal Government expected to have draft anti-terror laws ready for examination by the states and territories in about two or three weeks."
So, ready in a couple of weeks. Shall we be able to look at them? Since we are the unsuspecting public who is always being exploded, it would be nice to have a say. I also think people have been thinking a lot about this, and some have been at the receiving end of it or have reported on it. We actually have a lot of people who could make some valid feedback. I hope there will be an avenue to do this as is often the case with public legislation and/or change in the community.
"PRIME Minister John Howard said today the Federal Government expected to have draft anti-terror laws ready for examination by the states and territories in about two or three weeks."
So, ready in a couple of weeks. Shall we be able to look at them? Since we are the unsuspecting public who is always being exploded, it would be nice to have a say. I also think people have been thinking a lot about this, and some have been at the receiving end of it or have reported on it. We actually have a lot of people who could make some valid feedback. I hope there will be an avenue to do this as is often the case with public legislation and/or change in the community.
States approve new anti-terrorism laws.
States approve new anti-terrorism laws. :
"Under the planned laws, state and territory police will be given extra tracking powers and will be able to detain terrorism suspects for up to two weeks without charge."
The state leaders and the Prime Minister were so excited today after their counter terrorism summit. They sounded very confident and very pleased with their efforts. We haven't heard any details yet other than the "sunset clause" newspeak being bandied around. So the laws have an expiry date. We are being told all these safeguards are in place to protect civil liberties. So now it's about the content of these changes. We'll have to wait and see I guess. I have never seen all the heads of state so relaxed and chortling. Should I worry???
"Under the planned laws, state and territory police will be given extra tracking powers and will be able to detain terrorism suspects for up to two weeks without charge."
The state leaders and the Prime Minister were so excited today after their counter terrorism summit. They sounded very confident and very pleased with their efforts. We haven't heard any details yet other than the "sunset clause" newspeak being bandied around. So the laws have an expiry date. We are being told all these safeguards are in place to protect civil liberties. So now it's about the content of these changes. We'll have to wait and see I guess. I have never seen all the heads of state so relaxed and chortling. Should I worry???
Immigration detention to one month
Limit immigration detention to one month: QC. :
"Prominent lawyer Julian Burnside QC has told a Senate inquiry that the indefinite detention of asylum seekers is morally reprehensible."
Except in exceptional circumstances, it ought not take longer than a month to identify someone. Those seeking asylum or refugee status may have had to flee without papers. Those who are victims of people smugglers may have had their papers taken off them. In any case, it ought not take too long to verify someone's identity. I know it is hard to identify people at times because of the complexity of the countries of fleeing people. People generally don't flee their homes unless they have to. Mostly it's for legitimate reasons and those who are not legitimate generally show themselves up in a community situation. People know. I accept taking precautions. But having had the great detention debacle, we are coming out of it with some sensible ideas and suggestions as to how to deal with this in difficult world circumstances. People who are familiar with this kind of thing and then the issues of health and behavior relating to it, have built up a sound perspective and they are not people who are prone to rash decision making. Long term detention without adequate provision for the instabiltity brought about by indefinite detention in a hostile environment would seem to be ill advised. We have evidence of the effects. We have evidence of the inadequacies. We need to listen to people who are well credentialled and experienced enough to give wise counsel.
"Prominent lawyer Julian Burnside QC has told a Senate inquiry that the indefinite detention of asylum seekers is morally reprehensible."
Except in exceptional circumstances, it ought not take longer than a month to identify someone. Those seeking asylum or refugee status may have had to flee without papers. Those who are victims of people smugglers may have had their papers taken off them. In any case, it ought not take too long to verify someone's identity. I know it is hard to identify people at times because of the complexity of the countries of fleeing people. People generally don't flee their homes unless they have to. Mostly it's for legitimate reasons and those who are not legitimate generally show themselves up in a community situation. People know. I accept taking precautions. But having had the great detention debacle, we are coming out of it with some sensible ideas and suggestions as to how to deal with this in difficult world circumstances. People who are familiar with this kind of thing and then the issues of health and behavior relating to it, have built up a sound perspective and they are not people who are prone to rash decision making. Long term detention without adequate provision for the instabiltity brought about by indefinite detention in a hostile environment would seem to be ill advised. We have evidence of the effects. We have evidence of the inadequacies. We need to listen to people who are well credentialled and experienced enough to give wise counsel.
Monday, September 26, 2005
World's Solar Challenge
Dutch sun runners lead pack to Alice. :
"Last year's winner, Dutch vehicle Nuna III, arrived in Alice Springs first this afternoon with a lead of about an hour."
The front runners are really motoring this year and are at the half way mark. 1500 Km. Not a bad effort for solar cars!! The fast ones are getting up to 90-100 kmh. The Dutch, last year's winners, are at the front followed by the University of Michigan team. Our Aussie Victorian team is third. For some cars and teams it is more than enough they finish the challenge because it's 3000 Km of prime challenge!! Germany's Helio Det has had to retire. The teams are full of Outback spirit. They breed 'em tough out there! The cars are quite amazing in design and speed. There is hope for us at the petrol pump yet!
"Last year's winner, Dutch vehicle Nuna III, arrived in Alice Springs first this afternoon with a lead of about an hour."
The front runners are really motoring this year and are at the half way mark. 1500 Km. Not a bad effort for solar cars!! The fast ones are getting up to 90-100 kmh. The Dutch, last year's winners, are at the front followed by the University of Michigan team. Our Aussie Victorian team is third. For some cars and teams it is more than enough they finish the challenge because it's 3000 Km of prime challenge!! Germany's Helio Det has had to retire. The teams are full of Outback spirit. They breed 'em tough out there! The cars are quite amazing in design and speed. There is hope for us at the petrol pump yet!
Let's get rock-throwers
Let's get rock-throwers
"'We need to relocate transit police to the south and they need to be tailing buses and been seen to be highly visible hopping on and off our trains and buses. We need to provide the maximum possible reward - half a million dollars if that's what it takes - to locate and arrest these rock throwers.' "
There have been discussions of raising the reward for information. We have to do something. I am not sure how transit police will help, but they would be a second pair of eyes. Somehow we have to get visual information and footage. It is so tricky because it is at night time. I really do not understand why people who would chuck rocks at buses. It is incredibly antisocial, not to mention dangerous. So where are these people's heads. We do need to increase the number of eyes watching. It will have to be a team effort. We do need to raise community awareness so they can help...and we need to catch these swine. It must be terrible for the drivers and they need more support, that's for sure. When you are part of a big team effort it makes you feel stronger. There has to be a way to outsmart these people. They are abusing trust. Maybe the bus windows need to be reinforced for the time being. It's pretty sad. This is Adelaide and it sucks big time at the moment.
"'We need to relocate transit police to the south and they need to be tailing buses and been seen to be highly visible hopping on and off our trains and buses. We need to provide the maximum possible reward - half a million dollars if that's what it takes - to locate and arrest these rock throwers.' "
There have been discussions of raising the reward for information. We have to do something. I am not sure how transit police will help, but they would be a second pair of eyes. Somehow we have to get visual information and footage. It is so tricky because it is at night time. I really do not understand why people who would chuck rocks at buses. It is incredibly antisocial, not to mention dangerous. So where are these people's heads. We do need to increase the number of eyes watching. It will have to be a team effort. We do need to raise community awareness so they can help...and we need to catch these swine. It must be terrible for the drivers and they need more support, that's for sure. When you are part of a big team effort it makes you feel stronger. There has to be a way to outsmart these people. They are abusing trust. Maybe the bus windows need to be reinforced for the time being. It's pretty sad. This is Adelaide and it sucks big time at the moment.
PM 'trying to dodge constitution'
The Advertiser: PM 'trying to dodge constitution' ]:
"PRIME Minister John Howard was trying to circumvent the constitution by getting the states and territories to pass anti-terror legislation he is forbidden to introduce, ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said today."
Well, he made a unilateral decision about sending troops to Iraq and getting us involved in a "war", relying on us supporting the troops once they were there. All of that issue has been far better discussed in Britain.
As for bypassing our constitution. Is that what we want ? I accept and understand there is a necessity in this weird and wasteful world to have the toolas at our disposal to deal well and effectively with those who would use innocents against innocents. Those who would explode us because we happen to be there. Those who would mess with trains, aircraft, stations, public venues in the most heinous way and then destroy innocent people. We do have to find a way of dealing with this and our state leaders did want this meeting. Whatever we decide has to be within our laws and constitution. Since people who would explode us don't work in a co operative fashion and are apt to flout trust, I think we need to have a way of dealing with those sorts of suspects quickly. The London bombings , though, demonstrate how easy it is to name the wrong names, get the picture up the spout and generally cause grief and heartache for communities and families. Being held as a suspect is as bad as being accused. Shoot to kill laws are going down very well , don't you think? I believe our state leaders will hammer this out and our lawyers will have plenty to say. We need to talk , we need to listen and we have got to be very clever and cunning! It's a mind game as much as anything.
"PRIME Minister John Howard was trying to circumvent the constitution by getting the states and territories to pass anti-terror legislation he is forbidden to introduce, ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said today."
Well, he made a unilateral decision about sending troops to Iraq and getting us involved in a "war", relying on us supporting the troops once they were there. All of that issue has been far better discussed in Britain.
As for bypassing our constitution. Is that what we want ? I accept and understand there is a necessity in this weird and wasteful world to have the toolas at our disposal to deal well and effectively with those who would use innocents against innocents. Those who would explode us because we happen to be there. Those who would mess with trains, aircraft, stations, public venues in the most heinous way and then destroy innocent people. We do have to find a way of dealing with this and our state leaders did want this meeting. Whatever we decide has to be within our laws and constitution. Since people who would explode us don't work in a co operative fashion and are apt to flout trust, I think we need to have a way of dealing with those sorts of suspects quickly. The London bombings , though, demonstrate how easy it is to name the wrong names, get the picture up the spout and generally cause grief and heartache for communities and families. Being held as a suspect is as bad as being accused. Shoot to kill laws are going down very well , don't you think? I believe our state leaders will hammer this out and our lawyers will have plenty to say. We need to talk , we need to listen and we have got to be very clever and cunning! It's a mind game as much as anything.
Surfer fights off Great White shark
The Advertiser: Surfer fights off Great White shark :
"He told rescuers he had then punched the shark in the head and put one of his hands in its mouth to free himself from its jaws."
Joshua Berris is the talk of the town today because he punched a shark!! He is a very unassuming , quiet 26 year old who knows all his birthdays came at once yesterday. It's one birthday he will never forget. We shall not forget the man who walloped a shark!! The surfer who went to save him was crucial to saving his life. Not only was he very brave and heroic, he helped to recue Joshua and get the essential emergency help he needed. It is believed the shark confused him with a seal because he was wearing a black wetsuit and there are a lot of seals in the area. I guess we could do colour tests with sharks. May not be such a silly idea. So happy birthday,Joshua, and may you live long to tell this tale with a happy ending.
"He told rescuers he had then punched the shark in the head and put one of his hands in its mouth to free himself from its jaws."
Joshua Berris is the talk of the town today because he punched a shark!! He is a very unassuming , quiet 26 year old who knows all his birthdays came at once yesterday. It's one birthday he will never forget. We shall not forget the man who walloped a shark!! The surfer who went to save him was crucial to saving his life. Not only was he very brave and heroic, he helped to recue Joshua and get the essential emergency help he needed. It is believed the shark confused him with a seal because he was wearing a black wetsuit and there are a lot of seals in the area. I guess we could do colour tests with sharks. May not be such a silly idea. So happy birthday,Joshua, and may you live long to tell this tale with a happy ending.
David Hicks
Downer knew of Hicks's UK citizenship bid. :
"All nine British Guantanamo inmates were freed when their Government decided they would not receive a fair trial under the military justice system.
Hicks's military lawyer, Major Michael Mori, hopes his client will receive similar support.
'My understanding from the press releases is that the US and UK governments have an agreement that no British citizen will be processed through the military commission system and will be released from Guantanamo,' he said.
'Right now the main focus is making sure his British citizenship application is approved and then ensuring that the US complies with the agreement that they already have with the United Kingdom to not take any British citizens through the military commission.
'That's really going to be the upcoming issue: will the US honour its agreement with the UK regarding British citizens at Guantanamo Bay.'"
Britain has an agreement with the US that their detainees will not proceed to militiary trial and their detainees have been released. David Hicks has applied for British citizenship because his mother is British. This then is a case of will he be approved? Will he go to trial if he is approved? Will the charges already laid have to be answeered to if he is approved? Alexander Downer thinks not. We can only wait and wish that Australia had negotiated such a deal beforehand. The process of citizenship may take longer than the scheduled trial date. His lawyers have been very good. They have worked under very trying legal circumstances to try and protect him all along the way and do their best to have his rights upheld.
"All nine British Guantanamo inmates were freed when their Government decided they would not receive a fair trial under the military justice system.
Hicks's military lawyer, Major Michael Mori, hopes his client will receive similar support.
'My understanding from the press releases is that the US and UK governments have an agreement that no British citizen will be processed through the military commission system and will be released from Guantanamo,' he said.
'Right now the main focus is making sure his British citizenship application is approved and then ensuring that the US complies with the agreement that they already have with the United Kingdom to not take any British citizens through the military commission.
'That's really going to be the upcoming issue: will the US honour its agreement with the UK regarding British citizens at Guantanamo Bay.'"
Britain has an agreement with the US that their detainees will not proceed to militiary trial and their detainees have been released. David Hicks has applied for British citizenship because his mother is British. This then is a case of will he be approved? Will he go to trial if he is approved? Will the charges already laid have to be answeered to if he is approved? Alexander Downer thinks not. We can only wait and wish that Australia had negotiated such a deal beforehand. The process of citizenship may take longer than the scheduled trial date. His lawyers have been very good. They have worked under very trying legal circumstances to try and protect him all along the way and do their best to have his rights upheld.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
GIVE thing
Do you care about charity and fund raising? Do you need a place to advertise your fund raising efforts? Do you want to see what others are doing as far as fund raising is concerned?
GIVE thing
is a newly created community portal. The site is obviously new, but very clean, very well laid out, easy to navigate and a good home for your charity wants and needs.
I am doing this as a mission for Blogshares, but , it makes sense to have a portal for the community fund raising efforts which are occurring so often these days and have become a matter of necessity. The best thing about this site is that it really revolves around an interactive community involvement. Togetherness, as you will know if you read my site, is what I believe in and GIVE thing is about togetherness!
GIVE thing
is a newly created community portal. The site is obviously new, but very clean, very well laid out, easy to navigate and a good home for your charity wants and needs.
I am doing this as a mission for Blogshares, but , it makes sense to have a portal for the community fund raising efforts which are occurring so often these days and have become a matter of necessity. The best thing about this site is that it really revolves around an interactive community involvement. Togetherness, as you will know if you read my site, is what I believe in and GIVE thing is about togetherness!
Man recovering after SA shark attack
Man recovering after SA shark attack :
"The 25-year-old man was surfing with a group of four friends near Cape du Couedic, on the island's south-western tip in Flinders Chase National Park, when he was bitten by a great white shark about 12.05pm (CST)."
Cape du Couedic is a surfing spot, but not well known and rather isolated. The man's quick thinking friends were lucky enough, and strong enough to be able to pull him out of the water to save him. It's when swimmers are at the surface they are in the most danger. Fortunately, his friends were able to contact the emergency services they needed at the scene. This one ended well. Thank heaven for that.
"The 25-year-old man was surfing with a group of four friends near Cape du Couedic, on the island's south-western tip in Flinders Chase National Park, when he was bitten by a great white shark about 12.05pm (CST)."
Cape du Couedic is a surfing spot, but not well known and rather isolated. The man's quick thinking friends were lucky enough, and strong enough to be able to pull him out of the water to save him. It's when swimmers are at the surface they are in the most danger. Fortunately, his friends were able to contact the emergency services they needed at the scene. This one ended well. Thank heaven for that.
Bus driver hurt in rock attack
The Advertiser: Bus driver hurt in rock attack :
"Another insider said rocks thrown at buses happened two to three times a week in the southern suburbs alone.
'No one knows about it, they just bring them in and get repaired. It happens quite a lot at night when no one is on them,' he said. The victim of Friday's attack said he believed the rock was thrown by occupants of a passing car."
In the latest incident, the driver had to drive 10 km to the depot while he was injured and in shock. Rocks chucked at anything come as a shock. Who are these people who drive around in cars with ROCKS in them ready to hurl them at buses and anyone else they feel like ? We should know about it. It is always difficult to identify the cars and people because it is done at night time. Bus drivers can't put up with this. It's just not fair. We have to know about it because maybe we can keep an eye out if we live on the bus routes or if we are driving around them at likely times. Why would you drive around ready to hurl rocks? And why at bus drivers? Sick. Drivers need to wear helmets and even face guards. It's so hard.
"Another insider said rocks thrown at buses happened two to three times a week in the southern suburbs alone.
'No one knows about it, they just bring them in and get repaired. It happens quite a lot at night when no one is on them,' he said. The victim of Friday's attack said he believed the rock was thrown by occupants of a passing car."
In the latest incident, the driver had to drive 10 km to the depot while he was injured and in shock. Rocks chucked at anything come as a shock. Who are these people who drive around in cars with ROCKS in them ready to hurl them at buses and anyone else they feel like ? We should know about it. It is always difficult to identify the cars and people because it is done at night time. Bus drivers can't put up with this. It's just not fair. We have to know about it because maybe we can keep an eye out if we live on the bus routes or if we are driving around them at likely times. Why would you drive around ready to hurl rocks? And why at bus drivers? Sick. Drivers need to wear helmets and even face guards. It's so hard.
Thousands march in London, Washington against Iraq war.
Thousands march in London, Washington against Iraq war. :
"Thousands of people have marched through central London in the UK and Washington in the US, demanding that troops be withdrawn from Iraq.
In London, three streams of marchers carrying banners, chanting and blowing horns converged on Hyde Park to hear anti-war speeches."
Good on them. Doesn't matter if there were fewer than expected. Some people still support what the ones out here are doing. Time to listen. Iraq is causing too much death, too much destruction. It's a waste of time, money and lives. There has to be a better way because what is currently occurring is not working and it's just too destructive. If you could see it moving forward, it would at least give some hope, but too much money is being wasted and too many lives are being lost with no apparent steps forward that anyone can see. It's just one muddle after another and the muddles are costing lives. Sometimes you just have to quit when you are behind.
"Thousands of people have marched through central London in the UK and Washington in the US, demanding that troops be withdrawn from Iraq.
In London, three streams of marchers carrying banners, chanting and blowing horns converged on Hyde Park to hear anti-war speeches."
Good on them. Doesn't matter if there were fewer than expected. Some people still support what the ones out here are doing. Time to listen. Iraq is causing too much death, too much destruction. It's a waste of time, money and lives. There has to be a better way because what is currently occurring is not working and it's just too destructive. If you could see it moving forward, it would at least give some hope, but too much money is being wasted and too many lives are being lost with no apparent steps forward that anyone can see. It's just one muddle after another and the muddles are costing lives. Sometimes you just have to quit when you are behind.
World Solar Challenge.
Japanese team leads off World Solar Challenge.:
"A team from Ashiya University in Osaka, Japan, qualified fastest with its Sky Ace Tiga car.
Its driver, Numera, is famous in Japan and the car has previously won Japan's national championship."
Well, the world solar challenge is up and running and the cars should reach Adelaide midweek, whish is pretty good. The Japanese qualified as the fastest team, so now it's up to speed, conditions and outback nouse!
"A team from Ashiya University in Osaka, Japan, qualified fastest with its Sky Ace Tiga car.
Its driver, Numera, is famous in Japan and the car has previously won Japan's national championship."
Well, the world solar challenge is up and running and the cars should reach Adelaide midweek, whish is pretty good. The Japanese qualified as the fastest team, so now it's up to speed, conditions and outback nouse!
Kangaroo Island shark attack.
Police called to Kangaroo Island shark attack. :
"Police say a man, who was at Cape Decovick, has sustained a leg injury and will be airlifted to the Flinders Medical Centre."
No details on this one as yet other than the man appears to have had his leg bitten and was on a remote beach. We really are going to have to look into people's safety in the water and increasing the amount of food for the sharks. I can only remember sharks being around in the summer time. Maybe I'm wrong. In any case, it cannot go on like this. The situation at present is bad for people and sharks. For years we have lived along side each other with practically no trouble whatsoever.Now it's one attack after another.
"Police say a man, who was at Cape Decovick, has sustained a leg injury and will be airlifted to the Flinders Medical Centre."
No details on this one as yet other than the man appears to have had his leg bitten and was on a remote beach. We really are going to have to look into people's safety in the water and increasing the amount of food for the sharks. I can only remember sharks being around in the summer time. Maybe I'm wrong. In any case, it cannot go on like this. The situation at present is bad for people and sharks. For years we have lived along side each other with practically no trouble whatsoever.Now it's one attack after another.
House of Flying Daggers
I am probably the last person in Australia to see
House of Flying Daggers
because it was in cinemas earlier this year. I found the whole film so breath takingly beautiful last night I went out and bought the DVD and Hero as well today. Zhang Yimou , the director, can imagine the unimaginable and the film is art, poetry, moving paintings. I cannot get over how staggeringly beautiful it was. A simple story became an artistic masterpiece. I have long been a fan of Ang Lee's :
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
House of Flying Daggers is not as complex, but it is extraordinarily visual and moving. I am always struck by the actress Michelle Yeoh
. She can convey so much by moving her face very little. She is very fragile and yet very strong. She is a walking paradox. I cannot wait to see the next film of either of those directors.
Grand final
Well, the Sydney Swans won the grand final. The little town in Ireland will be so pleased with their player and they watched the whole match and supported the team. That was great. But the match...boy, how exciting was that? At half time the Eagles looked like they were out of it, but they can certainly play when the chips are down. Neither side gave up and the match was exhilarating. The low scores in the end were a credit to both sides getting in there and defending their goals. It was magical and the crowd just kept going off. I feel for the Eagles because they didn't lose by much and they played a great game. The Swans, originally, South Melbourne, haven't won a premiership since 1933, so it was a well deserved win , in many ways, because the team just played so well and just steadied itself into the lead by its use of skill. Adelaide was silent during the match. It was such a cliffhanger. When you see football played at that level you have to admire the grit, fitness and commitment of the players because both teams just ran and ran for 2 hours. In my book, cliché as it is, there were no losers.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Student expelled for lesbian parents
The Advertiser: Student expelled for lesbian parents :
"A TEENAGE girl has been expelled from a US Christian school after officials discovered her parents were lesbians whose lifestyle did not live up to church standards, the school said Friday."
Hardly the girl's fault. Makes sense to humiliate her. Kids used to be humiliated and victimised for being illegitimate or from divorced parents. We worked out it didn't make sense to punish the child. Surely the school is for the benefit of the child and her soul???
"A TEENAGE girl has been expelled from a US Christian school after officials discovered her parents were lesbians whose lifestyle did not live up to church standards, the school said Friday."
Hardly the girl's fault. Makes sense to humiliate her. Kids used to be humiliated and victimised for being illegitimate or from divorced parents. We worked out it didn't make sense to punish the child. Surely the school is for the benefit of the child and her soul???
Melbourne's set to rock
Grand final excitement builds at MCG. :
"Barbeques are going, champagne and beer are flowing and picnics are well under way in the MCG carpark as fans enjoy the biggest day of the football year, despite some light drizzle."
The football is very much family thing and the whole spirit of footie fever has been recaptured all over Australia this year. Melbourne must be buzzing by now and everyone will be full of anticipation. What is really great is how many kids are getting a real thrill out of it all and the players have gone out of their way in different matches to make sure the kids are acknowledged and feel a real part of it. Footie programmes have also done their bit to light the fire in the kids eyes. It's been really great. To have that, the rugby ,the tennis and the cricket keeping us buoyant has been a real treat and something we have been missing for too long.
"Barbeques are going, champagne and beer are flowing and picnics are well under way in the MCG carpark as fans enjoy the biggest day of the football year, despite some light drizzle."
The football is very much family thing and the whole spirit of footie fever has been recaptured all over Australia this year. Melbourne must be buzzing by now and everyone will be full of anticipation. What is really great is how many kids are getting a real thrill out of it all and the players have gone out of their way in different matches to make sure the kids are acknowledged and feel a real part of it. Footie programmes have also done their bit to light the fire in the kids eyes. It's been really great. To have that, the rugby ,the tennis and the cricket keeping us buoyant has been a real treat and something we have been missing for too long.
AFL Grand Final
The AFL grand final will bring about 37 million dollars into Melbourne and it's a real case of East meets West in the middle. The Melbourne crowd turned out in full force to welcome the players and they were really taken aback and pleased. Australia has gone back to loving its football and people are unashamedly watching all the football they can get because...it lifts their spirits and it's part of who we are. It'll be a great match. So, who will win? The West Coast Eagles or the Sydney Swans?? A lot of people are backing Sydney because it hasn't won for 72 years!!! The Eagles showed themselves to be a great team last week, though. Around here people have been pottering and getting newspapers and munchies in, a nice lunch and a big family day. At 2.35pm I would expect most of us will be tuned to our sets. Saturday afternoon always used to be the footie.
Greener
Everything was green. The whole garden is booming. It may have helped I gave it a big fertilising after all our dry, dry weather, but everything is so green and healthy looking. The best ever!!
Green
November is generally the best time for my garden, but I got up this morning and was struck by how green everything was. Green, green green. My garden looks like New Zealand!!
Friday, September 23, 2005
Computer terms 'confuse workers'
BBC NEWS | Technology | Computer terms 'confuse workers':
"Three quarters of workers waste more than an hour a week deciphering what a technical term means, the poll found."
Well, I guess it beats sitting in the toilet reading the newspaper. A lot of people are frustrated by and/or fed up with technology. It generates reams and reams of paper which you then have to "check" and file or hand on. It is brain numbing, mind dulling. Most networks are lumpy and inefficient.Most programmes are glytchy in the workplace. Often you sit waiting for the computer to do something or the company has "blocked" access incase you meddle. Companies are getting what they deserve. I can come home and do things quickly and efficiently . My computer works, my programmes work, I maintain my system. Some places won't even let you have nice pictures and screensavers. Dull, dull, dull. What do you expect workers to do, especially when your interesting job has been turned into a clerical assistant's job because you have a computer? It's worse when you can use a computer but you are constantly patronised by the "technical" people who constantly come up with a list of don't dos. Well, the empire can strike back. At home my computer is my best friend. At work it's a crashingly,dull lump of inefficient plastic. My new catch cry is: "I'd rather not be networked."
"Three quarters of workers waste more than an hour a week deciphering what a technical term means, the poll found."
Well, I guess it beats sitting in the toilet reading the newspaper. A lot of people are frustrated by and/or fed up with technology. It generates reams and reams of paper which you then have to "check" and file or hand on. It is brain numbing, mind dulling. Most networks are lumpy and inefficient.Most programmes are glytchy in the workplace. Often you sit waiting for the computer to do something or the company has "blocked" access incase you meddle. Companies are getting what they deserve. I can come home and do things quickly and efficiently . My computer works, my programmes work, I maintain my system. Some places won't even let you have nice pictures and screensavers. Dull, dull, dull. What do you expect workers to do, especially when your interesting job has been turned into a clerical assistant's job because you have a computer? It's worse when you can use a computer but you are constantly patronised by the "technical" people who constantly come up with a list of don't dos. Well, the empire can strike back. At home my computer is my best friend. At work it's a crashingly,dull lump of inefficient plastic. My new catch cry is: "I'd rather not be networked."
Afghan elections
Afghans vote in landmark poll
I am always struck when I see pictures of Afghanistan and Irak how there are no trees, plants forests. Pardon my ignorance, but are these the terrrains of these countries? The people are remarkably resilient to survive these conditions. The elections went ahead with no civilian injuries or deaths and the people voted for their candidates. May it all go well.
"It's the day of self-determination for the Afghan people. After 30 years of wars, interventions, occupations and misery, today Afghanistan is moving forward, making an economy, making political institutions."
French love of garlic
The Australian: French love of garlic on the nose:
"Growers have launched an appeal for l'ail, a sacred ingredient of French cuisine since the Romans taught its benefits to the ancient Gauls."
I cannot believe the French are giving up their garlic in favour of fast food like the rest of us. Garlic. Think of the medicinal benefits. They are worried about bad breath. Surely not? Have the French not heard of parsley? Of course they have. Do they not have access to Listerine? Haven't they worked out that if everyone eats garlic, it's not a problem? Oddly enough, we have become enamoured of garlic. We use it liberally now. But we chomp our parsley leaves and swish the Listerine around our mouths ...and brush vigourously with the tooth brush. A vos marques, prêts, partez ! Allez-y! A l'ail!!
"Growers have launched an appeal for l'ail, a sacred ingredient of French cuisine since the Romans taught its benefits to the ancient Gauls."
I cannot believe the French are giving up their garlic in favour of fast food like the rest of us. Garlic. Think of the medicinal benefits. They are worried about bad breath. Surely not? Have the French not heard of parsley? Of course they have. Do they not have access to Listerine? Haven't they worked out that if everyone eats garlic, it's not a problem? Oddly enough, we have become enamoured of garlic. We use it liberally now. But we chomp our parsley leaves and swish the Listerine around our mouths ...and brush vigourously with the tooth brush. A vos marques, prêts, partez ! Allez-y! A l'ail!!
10,000 elephants face slaughter
The Australian: 10,000 elephants face slaughter:
"JOHANNESBURG: Up to 10,000 elephants are under threat of being killed as South Africa prepares to end its 10-year ban on culling the animals."
There was a public outcry when they culled them last time and there ought to be outrage this time. 10, 000 elephants. There is no excuse. Oh, sorry, forgot. Tusks. If you are concerned about numbers, why let them grow so large? Why do countries always think in terms of killing vast numbers of animals? Why do they never relocate, manage the numbers, sell...whatever. There has to be a better way. I don't doubt the park cannot sustain 14,000 but there has been 10 years to manage this. Don't worry, we do the same with our corellas and koalas because we do not manage the populations. We even let kangaroos get out of hand, but now their numbers are dwindling. As for the Tasmanian devils, well, the poor things are still dying from tumours. We have biodiversity and animal experts, why do we ignore them?
"JOHANNESBURG: Up to 10,000 elephants are under threat of being killed as South Africa prepares to end its 10-year ban on culling the animals."
There was a public outcry when they culled them last time and there ought to be outrage this time. 10, 000 elephants. There is no excuse. Oh, sorry, forgot. Tusks. If you are concerned about numbers, why let them grow so large? Why do countries always think in terms of killing vast numbers of animals? Why do they never relocate, manage the numbers, sell...whatever. There has to be a better way. I don't doubt the park cannot sustain 14,000 but there has been 10 years to manage this. Don't worry, we do the same with our corellas and koalas because we do not manage the populations. We even let kangaroos get out of hand, but now their numbers are dwindling. As for the Tasmanian devils, well, the poor things are still dying from tumours. We have biodiversity and animal experts, why do we ignore them?
Dutch hot favourites for solar car race.
Dutch hot favourites for solar car race. :
"The Dutch are being touted as early race favourites to take out this year's race, after they won the last two races with their multi-million dollar entry."
The Dutch field a strong team with plenty of expertise and enthusiasm, but Australia's Victorian team is emerging as a favourite. The Belgians are in the race for the first time with the aim of finishing. Not such a silly aim. It's 3000 Km from Darwin to Adelaide and when people look at maps of Australia they just do not comprehend the size of it. It's a tough race through tough country , so the entrants have to have a real pioneer spirit as well as plenty of outback expertise. It's not just a technological race. We enjoy following the trek from Darwin down to here and each year more excitement has been generated. These people are doing the field work on solar powered vehicles. What started as an oddball race now has a lot of significance.
"The Dutch are being touted as early race favourites to take out this year's race, after they won the last two races with their multi-million dollar entry."
The Dutch field a strong team with plenty of expertise and enthusiasm, but Australia's Victorian team is emerging as a favourite. The Belgians are in the race for the first time with the aim of finishing. Not such a silly aim. It's 3000 Km from Darwin to Adelaide and when people look at maps of Australia they just do not comprehend the size of it. It's a tough race through tough country , so the entrants have to have a real pioneer spirit as well as plenty of outback expertise. It's not just a technological race. We enjoy following the trek from Darwin down to here and each year more excitement has been generated. These people are doing the field work on solar powered vehicles. What started as an oddball race now has a lot of significance.
Truckies threaten to shut down nation's highways.
Truckies threaten to shut down nation's highways.:
"Owner-operator truck drivers say the Government has until Monday to announce a new regulatory framework for the industry or they will blockade every highway in the country."
The truckies are one of the must haves in our country because of the sheer size of our continent. Trucking goods is essential because we do not have an efficient rail system, not do we have canals and air freight is not always possible or practical. The truckies are taken very much for granted. People get fed up if tucks have to slow down on highways, and temporarily forget our truckies keep us all in the goods we have become accustomed to. The truckies complain very little but their lifestyles are very demanding. They are generally people who like the open road and put up with a lot . They are also people who take a lot before they ever complain. They are a pretty sturdy group and not prone to running off at the mouth or asking for sympathy. All around on our travels we respect them and they respect us. For them to be running a business which will cost them too much isn't fair. Drive them out of business, get them offside and our nation will be in a pickle since there are not the alternatives for carrying goods. Petrol prices will be affecting them and will affect them more. In the short term there is no answer . It would be wise to talk with them, to listen to them and find out what they are thinking in terms of solutions. This is something they know. If they put up blockades, they will be in it for the long haul because they do not do things lightly and they are resilient. When they do blockade, they prove very quickly how much we need them and how much, in fact , they have their feet on the ground.
"Owner-operator truck drivers say the Government has until Monday to announce a new regulatory framework for the industry or they will blockade every highway in the country."
The truckies are one of the must haves in our country because of the sheer size of our continent. Trucking goods is essential because we do not have an efficient rail system, not do we have canals and air freight is not always possible or practical. The truckies are taken very much for granted. People get fed up if tucks have to slow down on highways, and temporarily forget our truckies keep us all in the goods we have become accustomed to. The truckies complain very little but their lifestyles are very demanding. They are generally people who like the open road and put up with a lot . They are also people who take a lot before they ever complain. They are a pretty sturdy group and not prone to running off at the mouth or asking for sympathy. All around on our travels we respect them and they respect us. For them to be running a business which will cost them too much isn't fair. Drive them out of business, get them offside and our nation will be in a pickle since there are not the alternatives for carrying goods. Petrol prices will be affecting them and will affect them more. In the short term there is no answer . It would be wise to talk with them, to listen to them and find out what they are thinking in terms of solutions. This is something they know. If they put up blockades, they will be in it for the long haul because they do not do things lightly and they are resilient. When they do blockade, they prove very quickly how much we need them and how much, in fact , they have their feet on the ground.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Truancy
Britain, UK news from The Times and The Sunday Times :
"In spite of the Government spending �1 billion on initiatives tackling absenteeism since 1997, the annual number of pupils playing truant from school has soared by 43 per cent. Jacqui Smith, the Schools Minister, said that school attendance was higher than ever, with fewer children going sick or taking term-time holidays, but said that she was disappointed that a “stubborn minority” of teenagers were skipping school. “Schools are treating absenteeism more rigorously, challenging questionable reasons for absence and cracking down on unnecessary time out of school,” she said."
It's happening here and it's happening there...is it a global trend? Kids disappearing? Schools trying to keep them there but kids not being there? I see it as a parent responsibility. When I dropped children at school it was accepted they were there to stay for the day. Full stop, end of story. Parents create that expectation. "Channel surfing" mentality with regard to education needs to be stamped out immediately. Bums on seats and kids in classrooms. Suffer , I say. We had to!!
"In spite of the Government spending �1 billion on initiatives tackling absenteeism since 1997, the annual number of pupils playing truant from school has soared by 43 per cent. Jacqui Smith, the Schools Minister, said that school attendance was higher than ever, with fewer children going sick or taking term-time holidays, but said that she was disappointed that a “stubborn minority” of teenagers were skipping school. “Schools are treating absenteeism more rigorously, challenging questionable reasons for absence and cracking down on unnecessary time out of school,” she said."
It's happening here and it's happening there...is it a global trend? Kids disappearing? Schools trying to keep them there but kids not being there? I see it as a parent responsibility. When I dropped children at school it was accepted they were there to stay for the day. Full stop, end of story. Parents create that expectation. "Channel surfing" mentality with regard to education needs to be stamped out immediately. Bums on seats and kids in classrooms. Suffer , I say. We had to!!
Sony
Technology, Technology news, Times Online:
"The once-mighty company, which invented the life-changing Walkman players, has been outflanked by the success of Apple's sales of iPods and its online iTunes music service."
The loss of 10,000 jobs globally is not extraordinary, but is hugely significant. We keep hearing of once rock solid companies having to struggle and lay off thousands of people. So, remind me again, what are the purported benefits of globalization and where are all these jobs going? I think we need to be thinking extra carefully locally and then acting globally.
"The once-mighty company, which invented the life-changing Walkman players, has been outflanked by the success of Apple's sales of iPods and its online iTunes music service."
The loss of 10,000 jobs globally is not extraordinary, but is hugely significant. We keep hearing of once rock solid companies having to struggle and lay off thousands of people. So, remind me again, what are the purported benefits of globalization and where are all these jobs going? I think we need to be thinking extra carefully locally and then acting globally.
90,000,000 Firefox Downloads!!
90,000,000 Downloads!! - Spread Firefox:
"20, 2005 at 4:33:58 EST or 9:33:58 GMT Firefox Reached 90,000,000 Downloads! Only 10 Left and if we can get in before Nov. 9th then we would have 1,000,000 Downloads on the first day of 1.0 Release, 10,000,000 Downloads in the first month, and 100,000,000 in the first year!"
90,000,000 downloads for Firefox. That's pretty impressive. I love my extensions. So, are we aiming for the 10,000,000? That's a lot of impressive noughts!!
"20, 2005 at 4:33:58 EST or 9:33:58 GMT Firefox Reached 90,000,000 Downloads! Only 10 Left and if we can get in before Nov. 9th then we would have 1,000,000 Downloads on the first day of 1.0 Release, 10,000,000 Downloads in the first month, and 100,000,000 in the first year!"
90,000,000 downloads for Firefox. That's pretty impressive. I love my extensions. So, are we aiming for the 10,000,000? That's a lot of impressive noughts!!
Child porn
Child porn raids lead to Adelaide:
"An Australian police squad targetting Internet child porn made its first arrest on Wednesday after being tipped off by Belgian authorities, Justice Minister Chris Ellison said.
Ellison said the Australian Federal Police's Online Child Sex Exploitation Team (OCSET) used new powers allowing officers to track offenders online in the arrest of a 33-year-old computer technician from Adelaide."
I am glad the technician got caught. I am sorry that it's Adelaide. We aren't actually like that but we are home to oddballs because we are a small city with lots of space in between. The police in Australia have been working hard on this and are receptive to their overseas counterparts.
"An Australian police squad targetting Internet child porn made its first arrest on Wednesday after being tipped off by Belgian authorities, Justice Minister Chris Ellison said.
Ellison said the Australian Federal Police's Online Child Sex Exploitation Team (OCSET) used new powers allowing officers to track offenders online in the arrest of a 33-year-old computer technician from Adelaide."
I am glad the technician got caught. I am sorry that it's Adelaide. We aren't actually like that but we are home to oddballs because we are a small city with lots of space in between. The police in Australia have been working hard on this and are receptive to their overseas counterparts.
Hicks trial will be overseen
The Advertiser: Hicks trial will be overseen:
"'What is surprising to me now is that after four years (of detention for Hicks) – and Hicks has been represented by American and Australian lawyers and consultants for much of that time – they are saying 'Look, we are not ready',' Mr Ruddock said."
Mr. Ruddock still doesn't seem to understand that the lawyers have not had four years to prepare. The goal posts have constantly been shifting and other western governments have negotiated the release of their detainees. Sending over observers will not ascertain whether it is fair or not because the Australian government has shown itself to be predjudicial by not acting as other governments have, by not ascertaining the facts, by ignoring the treatment of prisoners in Guatanamo Bay and leaving David Hicks in a no man's land so that he is now a persona non grata.
Was David Hicks rounded up in the same group as The case of the Taliban American
Because he has been tried and is serving twenty years jail near his home, is helping the American Government and, AT THE TIME, was fighting for different reasons than those attribuable now. World politics have changed considerably:
"The uprising was "all a mistake of a handful of people," Walker Lindh told CNN. "This is against what we had agreed upon, and this is against Islam. It is a major sin to break a contract, especially in military situations."
He said he intended to surrender but was drawn into battle when one of his comrades threw a grenade. After taking a bullet in his upper-right thigh, he fled to the basement bunker, where he and dozens of other Taliban remained for seven days. During that time, gasoline was poured into the basement and ignited, and grenades were exploded. "
The US has had difficulty identifying people captured in Afghanistan and what they were trying to do:
Captured "Taliban Commanders" Turn Out To Be Government Officials
and it seems, from reading back over events at the time , it was a lot more complicated than we read about in the newspapers and that a lot of people were captured for three reasons, as far as I can see:
The US was trying to shut down the Taliban training camps and trainees as fast as they could
They were trying to minimise the number of people who were going to help bring in arms from Pakistan
They were trying to put pressure on the Taliban to hand over Oussama bin Laden
It would appear that people like John Walker Lindh and David Hicks, who were in Afghanistan at the time of the US round up, were actually there, not for totally innocent reasons perhaps, but for something that was not what we think it is . They had no access to TV and news. We had programmes showing us that the Afghanis had no idea why the US were bombing them. We knew. We had tele.
It's also because of the net I know about John Walker Lindh and his reasons for being there. At no stage has our government done what the US government and media have done and explained to us what David Hicks was doing there. Under our laws he has done nothing wrong...all the stuff I said yesterday. Observers will not help. Investigations and clarifications will, but prejudicial government and officials will not help. You have to look at what he was doing at the time, what the laws were at the time and what a mess he is now after 4 years of being held in Guantanomo Bay when other governments got their people out. Sorry to harp on about it, but they did.
"'What is surprising to me now is that after four years (of detention for Hicks) – and Hicks has been represented by American and Australian lawyers and consultants for much of that time – they are saying 'Look, we are not ready',' Mr Ruddock said."
Mr. Ruddock still doesn't seem to understand that the lawyers have not had four years to prepare. The goal posts have constantly been shifting and other western governments have negotiated the release of their detainees. Sending over observers will not ascertain whether it is fair or not because the Australian government has shown itself to be predjudicial by not acting as other governments have, by not ascertaining the facts, by ignoring the treatment of prisoners in Guatanamo Bay and leaving David Hicks in a no man's land so that he is now a persona non grata.
Was David Hicks rounded up in the same group as The case of the Taliban American
Because he has been tried and is serving twenty years jail near his home, is helping the American Government and, AT THE TIME, was fighting for different reasons than those attribuable now. World politics have changed considerably:
"The uprising was "all a mistake of a handful of people," Walker Lindh told CNN. "This is against what we had agreed upon, and this is against Islam. It is a major sin to break a contract, especially in military situations."
He said he intended to surrender but was drawn into battle when one of his comrades threw a grenade. After taking a bullet in his upper-right thigh, he fled to the basement bunker, where he and dozens of other Taliban remained for seven days. During that time, gasoline was poured into the basement and ignited, and grenades were exploded. "
The US has had difficulty identifying people captured in Afghanistan and what they were trying to do:
Captured "Taliban Commanders" Turn Out To Be Government Officials
and it seems, from reading back over events at the time , it was a lot more complicated than we read about in the newspapers and that a lot of people were captured for three reasons, as far as I can see:
The US was trying to shut down the Taliban training camps and trainees as fast as they could
They were trying to minimise the number of people who were going to help bring in arms from Pakistan
They were trying to put pressure on the Taliban to hand over Oussama bin Laden
It would appear that people like John Walker Lindh and David Hicks, who were in Afghanistan at the time of the US round up, were actually there, not for totally innocent reasons perhaps, but for something that was not what we think it is . They had no access to TV and news. We had programmes showing us that the Afghanis had no idea why the US were bombing them. We knew. We had tele.
It's also because of the net I know about John Walker Lindh and his reasons for being there. At no stage has our government done what the US government and media have done and explained to us what David Hicks was doing there. Under our laws he has done nothing wrong...all the stuff I said yesterday. Observers will not help. Investigations and clarifications will, but prejudicial government and officials will not help. You have to look at what he was doing at the time, what the laws were at the time and what a mess he is now after 4 years of being held in Guantanomo Bay when other governments got their people out. Sorry to harp on about it, but they did.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Irises
I love irises and they are starting to pop up everywhere. In Adelaide you see a lot of irises, roses, agapanthus, clivea and daffodils. I am waiting for my tulips to come out. The leaves are there...waiting, waiting. Some years they looks great, other years they are a bit wind swept.
Spring
Even though we are 3 weeks into spring the weather has not quite made up its mind. Sometimes it's freezing. Sometimes it's warmish. Sometimes it's blue skies and sometimes it's grey, cold and wet. The plants, however are decidedly into spring and the trees are blossoming and the bulbs are springing up everywhere.
Our population is moving in the wrong direction
The Advertiser: Our population is moving in the wrong direction :
"The state had the second largest net population loss in 2003-04 - 3200 people - behind New South Wales' creep towards Queensland, according to an ABS report released yesterday. The exodus was more than double the net loss of 1500 people the previous year and almost half of our interstate movers were in the 20-34 age group."
It would appear Australia is moving to Queensland because of the climate. The Queensland figures have blown out and put a massive strain on the resources of Brisbane and Toowoomba. When they run out of water in the eastern states, we may see them back. They are talking about the 20-34 age group. The kids who have everything and some of them with a misplaced sense of self importance. The play not work people. It's a trend all over the world for people in this age group to be itinerant. The "adultescents". They are still experimenting. A lot of them are still studying or study and then work and then travel. They have a different lifestyle and want different things. Adlelaide will attract them back. This is also the age group of mobile phone drivers, speedsters and people who drive into trees. I think this article needs to be fleshed out. That age group has no ties. They have no reason to stay put and they are people who know there is a big word out there. Some are overseas as we have a lot of people of 20-34 over here from other countries. It has less to do with SA than bright lights and big cities for younger people. Shiney! The people who have families here want to be here because they think it is a good place for families. Older people enjoy an unhurried pleasant life and busy professionals have everything they need and are smack bang where they can get to any other city easily. What we lack are the international connections. I get so fed up hauling over to Sydney so I can travel elsewhere and it adds so much extra time onto a trip. People who come to Adelaide like it because you can do as you wish and pursue your dreams and live unencumbered. It's not a place which diverts and distracts but it has what you want when you want it. But we have lost a number of jobs here and our universities have lost their former prestige. Why would you study at low level universities and SA unis used to be right at the top of the pile. We need to smarten up!! A lot of the "young" jobs are interstate. But I have recently read an article about France being worried about its young ones leaving the country and going elsewhere. It's not just our problem and maybe it's not even a problem. The young need to get out there and see their world. They can only be the better for it.
"The state had the second largest net population loss in 2003-04 - 3200 people - behind New South Wales' creep towards Queensland, according to an ABS report released yesterday. The exodus was more than double the net loss of 1500 people the previous year and almost half of our interstate movers were in the 20-34 age group."
It would appear Australia is moving to Queensland because of the climate. The Queensland figures have blown out and put a massive strain on the resources of Brisbane and Toowoomba. When they run out of water in the eastern states, we may see them back. They are talking about the 20-34 age group. The kids who have everything and some of them with a misplaced sense of self importance. The play not work people. It's a trend all over the world for people in this age group to be itinerant. The "adultescents". They are still experimenting. A lot of them are still studying or study and then work and then travel. They have a different lifestyle and want different things. Adlelaide will attract them back. This is also the age group of mobile phone drivers, speedsters and people who drive into trees. I think this article needs to be fleshed out. That age group has no ties. They have no reason to stay put and they are people who know there is a big word out there. Some are overseas as we have a lot of people of 20-34 over here from other countries. It has less to do with SA than bright lights and big cities for younger people. Shiney! The people who have families here want to be here because they think it is a good place for families. Older people enjoy an unhurried pleasant life and busy professionals have everything they need and are smack bang where they can get to any other city easily. What we lack are the international connections. I get so fed up hauling over to Sydney so I can travel elsewhere and it adds so much extra time onto a trip. People who come to Adelaide like it because you can do as you wish and pursue your dreams and live unencumbered. It's not a place which diverts and distracts but it has what you want when you want it. But we have lost a number of jobs here and our universities have lost their former prestige. Why would you study at low level universities and SA unis used to be right at the top of the pile. We need to smarten up!! A lot of the "young" jobs are interstate. But I have recently read an article about France being worried about its young ones leaving the country and going elsewhere. It's not just our problem and maybe it's not even a problem. The young need to get out there and see their world. They can only be the better for it.
Walking to school
Govt works to make walking to school safer.:
"Dr Lomax-Smith says signs will be erected at strategic points to remind students to take care when crossing the road as part of targeted infrastructure improvements."
Yes, quite so. One teenage boy walked straight in front of my car today after school. I don't think he was even aware I was on the road or that he was actually crossing the road. He just walked straight across the road like he was walking across a field or something. I found that very worrying. Road rules and road awareness need to start at an early age, but it still doesn't solve the problem of children being abducted or taken on the way to and from school and we get cases every week. People look upon children and teenagers as targets for kidnapping. You can't put up a sign for that?! No kidnapping allowed? Abductions are out of bounds?
Where I have been in other countries , there are a lot more adults walking and so the children are automatically cared for. Here we drive. Getting to work usually involves driving. We need to get more adults out walking and on their bikes...but we have long distances to get to places here as I said before.
"Dr Lomax-Smith says signs will be erected at strategic points to remind students to take care when crossing the road as part of targeted infrastructure improvements."
Yes, quite so. One teenage boy walked straight in front of my car today after school. I don't think he was even aware I was on the road or that he was actually crossing the road. He just walked straight across the road like he was walking across a field or something. I found that very worrying. Road rules and road awareness need to start at an early age, but it still doesn't solve the problem of children being abducted or taken on the way to and from school and we get cases every week. People look upon children and teenagers as targets for kidnapping. You can't put up a sign for that?! No kidnapping allowed? Abductions are out of bounds?
Where I have been in other countries , there are a lot more adults walking and so the children are automatically cared for. Here we drive. Getting to work usually involves driving. We need to get more adults out walking and on their bikes...but we have long distances to get to places here as I said before.
David Hicks
Hicks's lawyers had plenty of time:
"Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has rejected claims by lawyers for Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks that they will not be ready for next month's military commission."
Mr. Ruddock has made his position patently clear. A pre emptive guilty judgement. Considering world lawyers have considered the military commission to be illegal and considering David Hicks is not guilty of anything under Australian law and considering other countries had got their people out of Guantanomo Bay, Mr. Ruddock has now put his cards on the table. Well, no surprise, really. The lawyers have not had 4 years at all. No one knew what David Hicks was supposed to be guilty of in America until his case was put forward recently and then the lawyers had not been able to work with any stable, accessible channel. Then the international lawyers were discussing the validity of it. So there has been no easy legal path here and his lawyers are not dolts. At least when Alexander Downer speaks he either stays right out of it or he tries to ascertain from the country what the siuation is as best he can. He does not speak before he is in control of as many facts as he can muster. If he cannot muster them he always says. Amnesty believes David Hicks and the others in Guantanamo Bay have some serious human rights issues. The Australian government did nothing to clarify the position with David Hicks when he was first arrested. Had they clarified the situation then, this part of it would probably already have been resolved.
"Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has rejected claims by lawyers for Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks that they will not be ready for next month's military commission."
Mr. Ruddock has made his position patently clear. A pre emptive guilty judgement. Considering world lawyers have considered the military commission to be illegal and considering David Hicks is not guilty of anything under Australian law and considering other countries had got their people out of Guantanomo Bay, Mr. Ruddock has now put his cards on the table. Well, no surprise, really. The lawyers have not had 4 years at all. No one knew what David Hicks was supposed to be guilty of in America until his case was put forward recently and then the lawyers had not been able to work with any stable, accessible channel. Then the international lawyers were discussing the validity of it. So there has been no easy legal path here and his lawyers are not dolts. At least when Alexander Downer speaks he either stays right out of it or he tries to ascertain from the country what the siuation is as best he can. He does not speak before he is in control of as many facts as he can muster. If he cannot muster them he always says. Amnesty believes David Hicks and the others in Guantanamo Bay have some serious human rights issues. The Australian government did nothing to clarify the position with David Hicks when he was first arrested. Had they clarified the situation then, this part of it would probably already have been resolved.
Dolphin stabbed to death.
Dolphin tracked for a decade before stabbing death. :
"A post-mortem shows the Port Phillip Bay bottlenose female had up to seven stab wounds, including one to the heart."
Who would stab a dolphin? Why would you do that? If you stab female dolphins you are threatening the species, but who would want to stab one? Not an Australian, that's for sure. We all rush to see them, we wear dolphin jewellry, buy dolphin paraphernalia. So who has dolphin blood on their hands?It is a dolphin which had been tracked for 10 years. The world is very sick.
"A post-mortem shows the Port Phillip Bay bottlenose female had up to seven stab wounds, including one to the heart."
Who would stab a dolphin? Why would you do that? If you stab female dolphins you are threatening the species, but who would want to stab one? Not an Australian, that's for sure. We all rush to see them, we wear dolphin jewellry, buy dolphin paraphernalia. So who has dolphin blood on their hands?It is a dolphin which had been tracked for 10 years. The world is very sick.
Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Rita aims for Gulf of Mexico.:
"The Hurricane Centre predicted that Rita will make landfall in Texas over the weekend, but a 'cone of probability' in the forecast indicates the storm might slam ashore anywhere between north-eastern Mexico and the swamplands of southern Louisiana, west of New Orleans."
Bugger off, Rita. Just bugger off.
"The Hurricane Centre predicted that Rita will make landfall in Texas over the weekend, but a 'cone of probability' in the forecast indicates the storm might slam ashore anywhere between north-eastern Mexico and the swamplands of southern Louisiana, west of New Orleans."
Bugger off, Rita. Just bugger off.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
German elections
The Australian: Germany turns hard left to limbo :
"A STALEMATE election result has left Germany floundering for political leadership and dashed hopes that the poll would lead to rapid reforms to revive the world's third-largest economy."
On the one hand they say a stalemate, on the other, they say Angela Merkel will be Germany's new leader with a narrow margin, on the other hand there is a distinct possibility of a new election!? I'll keep listening tot the news, shall I? In any case, it is yet another example of yet another country which has split itself right down the middle. NZ is doing the same. We are all doing it. What are we trying to tell each other? We are all dividing our votes, we are all returning a difficult result and we are all making it clear that we are not able to clearly decide. Are political parties not what we want any longer? Do they no longer serve our purposes? Are we voting in the hope some government or another will solve the world's malaise, because it is mad? The world has gone mad and the governments are powerless to resolve the issues confronting us in the world. They can talk the talk, but essentially, nothing changes. We still get up in the morning and it is still all going wrong. Some people are now actively avoiding news. Young ones pay very little attention to it. Some are avoiding the Net. Some have given up blogging. We are reaching saturation point on this destructive world and we are deciding to turn away from the media to shelter ourselves from the negative, depressing, destructive fallout which is our daily media diet. So what's the answer? People. People are the answer. If you spend your time with people they are still good to be with and they still give you hope. The news, the governments, the media give us no hope. It is all destruction and devastation. We are all powerless and victims. So what is Germany telling us? They are a nation of thinkers. They have at least fielded a successful woman candidate which no other nation seems to be able to do except NZ and Helen Clarke is currently under pressure. Mind you, she has had a very good run and she will still be in there in an important place. We can't keep living in a world without hope so political reform should be high on our agenda. How do you do that...because politicians are shot down very quickly. It takes a very particular type to survive the intricacies of this current day and age. So what now? In the short term, a return to social activity and an avoidance of media, it would appear.
"A STALEMATE election result has left Germany floundering for political leadership and dashed hopes that the poll would lead to rapid reforms to revive the world's third-largest economy."
On the one hand they say a stalemate, on the other, they say Angela Merkel will be Germany's new leader with a narrow margin, on the other hand there is a distinct possibility of a new election!? I'll keep listening tot the news, shall I? In any case, it is yet another example of yet another country which has split itself right down the middle. NZ is doing the same. We are all doing it. What are we trying to tell each other? We are all dividing our votes, we are all returning a difficult result and we are all making it clear that we are not able to clearly decide. Are political parties not what we want any longer? Do they no longer serve our purposes? Are we voting in the hope some government or another will solve the world's malaise, because it is mad? The world has gone mad and the governments are powerless to resolve the issues confronting us in the world. They can talk the talk, but essentially, nothing changes. We still get up in the morning and it is still all going wrong. Some people are now actively avoiding news. Young ones pay very little attention to it. Some are avoiding the Net. Some have given up blogging. We are reaching saturation point on this destructive world and we are deciding to turn away from the media to shelter ourselves from the negative, depressing, destructive fallout which is our daily media diet. So what's the answer? People. People are the answer. If you spend your time with people they are still good to be with and they still give you hope. The news, the governments, the media give us no hope. It is all destruction and devastation. We are all powerless and victims. So what is Germany telling us? They are a nation of thinkers. They have at least fielded a successful woman candidate which no other nation seems to be able to do except NZ and Helen Clarke is currently under pressure. Mind you, she has had a very good run and she will still be in there in an important place. We can't keep living in a world without hope so political reform should be high on our agenda. How do you do that...because politicians are shot down very quickly. It takes a very particular type to survive the intricacies of this current day and age. So what now? In the short term, a return to social activity and an avoidance of media, it would appear.
Petrol taxes may rise again
The Advertiser: Petrol taxes may rise again :
"'The raising of the excise duty provides funding to allow a grant to be paid to support the introduction of cleaner fuel standards in Australia,' Ms Barry said.
The cleaner fuels initiative encourages petrol manufacturers and suppliers who upgrade facilities to produce petrol with 50 parts per million or less of sulphur."
The amount of indirect taxing from this government by way of levies is never questioned. We have the state emergency levy, the airport taxes, the bank taxes, the River Murray levy ..the this levy and the that levy. We are charged for all sorts of bungling. The River Murray wouldn't be as it is had Governments taken notice of environementalists. We shouldn't actually be paying for the demise of Ansett...and now we are going to pay for cleaner fuels and fuel research when the government and oil companies are doing very well at our expense and all we are doing is expending...oh, and there are hospital admission levies. Constantly we pay for poorly kept and maintained resources. People keep asking , when we have so much oil ourselves, why we are paying all this extra? Well, why are we because I do not get it and neither does anyone else.
"'The raising of the excise duty provides funding to allow a grant to be paid to support the introduction of cleaner fuel standards in Australia,' Ms Barry said.
The cleaner fuels initiative encourages petrol manufacturers and suppliers who upgrade facilities to produce petrol with 50 parts per million or less of sulphur."
The amount of indirect taxing from this government by way of levies is never questioned. We have the state emergency levy, the airport taxes, the bank taxes, the River Murray levy ..the this levy and the that levy. We are charged for all sorts of bungling. The River Murray wouldn't be as it is had Governments taken notice of environementalists. We shouldn't actually be paying for the demise of Ansett...and now we are going to pay for cleaner fuels and fuel research when the government and oil companies are doing very well at our expense and all we are doing is expending...oh, and there are hospital admission levies. Constantly we pay for poorly kept and maintained resources. People keep asking , when we have so much oil ourselves, why we are paying all this extra? Well, why are we because I do not get it and neither does anyone else.
Organics conference with warning.
Prince Charles opens organics conference with warning. 20/09/2005. ABC News Online:
"Prince Charles has officially opened the World Organics Conference in Adelaide, with a warning of what he describes as a frightening acceleration of urbanisation throughout the world."
I know we keep thinking in terms of cost and profit margins. I know the almighty dollar runs us all, but you'd think we'd work out that foods full of chemicals and pesticides would not be what we want in our systems. I can't believe we would want to feed ourselves on chemical rubbish. The sprayed and polluted earth then pollutes our water. Are we actually rational? Why would we want to eat preservatives and chemicals? Why would we not want to eat nutritious , wholesome food? Our foods contain something like 500 chemical agents. Okay, we have accustomed ourselves to the "convenience" foods. We don't want to spend all day cooking. Why not? Smells delicious. Tastes better. Does not harm us. I am glad Adelaide is having a conference about organic food. We all need to eat proper food and we all need to learn that cooking and eating are a joy in life. But we have a generation of kids brought up on front of palate food who enjoy eating cardboard. We need to get back to real food for real people. And that is both about local produce and importing what you don't have. It only takes a day on a plane to get something somewhere ...so if we can't get blueberries here, we ought to be able to import them pretty easily. So people ...countries, need to sit down and work out who is doing what so we don't duplicate, so we are more efficient and so we can provide healthy, nutritious food for ourselves...and no con tricks with the labelling!! Food, glorious food. It's something to savour, not shovel into your mouth.
"Prince Charles has officially opened the World Organics Conference in Adelaide, with a warning of what he describes as a frightening acceleration of urbanisation throughout the world."
I know we keep thinking in terms of cost and profit margins. I know the almighty dollar runs us all, but you'd think we'd work out that foods full of chemicals and pesticides would not be what we want in our systems. I can't believe we would want to feed ourselves on chemical rubbish. The sprayed and polluted earth then pollutes our water. Are we actually rational? Why would we want to eat preservatives and chemicals? Why would we not want to eat nutritious , wholesome food? Our foods contain something like 500 chemical agents. Okay, we have accustomed ourselves to the "convenience" foods. We don't want to spend all day cooking. Why not? Smells delicious. Tastes better. Does not harm us. I am glad Adelaide is having a conference about organic food. We all need to eat proper food and we all need to learn that cooking and eating are a joy in life. But we have a generation of kids brought up on front of palate food who enjoy eating cardboard. We need to get back to real food for real people. And that is both about local produce and importing what you don't have. It only takes a day on a plane to get something somewhere ...so if we can't get blueberries here, we ought to be able to import them pretty easily. So people ...countries, need to sit down and work out who is doing what so we don't duplicate, so we are more efficient and so we can provide healthy, nutritious food for ourselves...and no con tricks with the labelling!! Food, glorious food. It's something to savour, not shovel into your mouth.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Telemarketing
The talk of the town over the weekend today was telemarketing, the scourge of Adelaide down time. We resent the invasion. We see our homes as private when we are home and don't want calls soliciting business. It may well be legal for people to ring us from heaven knows where to ask us about heaven knows what deal, but we are not impressed. Two reasons basically. We don't want people ringing us from underpaid conditions in a "sweatshop" situation. We cannot stand the notion that some poor person somewhere is living and working in such conditions where they find themselves totally uncomfortable and underpaid and will be bullied if they don't get the sales. May or may not be true.It's our perception. Secondly, if we want a new deal on something , we don't want it over the phone with no notice when we can't think and can't consider it properly and the person is working to a script and expects us to play a role...namely, the prospective customer. Oddly enough, since the sale of Telstra has been announced , we have been inundated with calls from communications companies trying to persuade us they have a great deal. When we have a SILENT number, we are even more perturbed we should have calls out of the blue. Happened to me twice and my first question was "Where did you get my number?" They are furnished lists. From where..blah, blah...they didn't really know. I hung up. The best line...because we are swapping ideas of how to deal with this ,as it has reached plague proportions, was:
"Good morning, my name is Anne Smith from Yoyo Internet Company."
"That's nice , dear, and if you keep saying it , I am sure you will remember it."
Click.
If you want us to do deals, advertise on the Net, in the newpaper, on the radio, on TV...not on the phone.
"Good morning, my name is Anne Smith from Yoyo Internet Company."
"That's nice , dear, and if you keep saying it , I am sure you will remember it."
Click.
If you want us to do deals, advertise on the Net, in the newpaper, on the radio, on TV...not on the phone.
No deadline for troop withdrawal
The Advertiser: No deadline for troop withdrawal :
"But Mr McClelland said the Government should set some parameters about what it expects to achieve from the Iraq operation."
Bingo. What do we expect to achieve now? Especially since one of the newly elected parliamentary members was killed? I have read America is going to keep troops there for the next 4 years. Okay, so how many troops are we expecting to lose? How many troops should we lose? How many people do we want to die before we come up with a list of what we can expect? How many people have to die before we think about exactly what we are doing ? I mean, what are we doing at the moment and how is it helping? Is it helping Iraq? Is it helping us? Some Iraqis want us there and some don't? What does Iraq want, now that we have created this mess for them, and having created the mess, I suppose we should help fix it, but what does that mean? How much of Iraq's history is preserved and how much has become booty? How much of its literature is still preserved,, its textiles, its art? What are we doing about preserving their civilisation since it is one of the most ancient civilisations in the world?
"But Mr McClelland said the Government should set some parameters about what it expects to achieve from the Iraq operation."
Bingo. What do we expect to achieve now? Especially since one of the newly elected parliamentary members was killed? I have read America is going to keep troops there for the next 4 years. Okay, so how many troops are we expecting to lose? How many troops should we lose? How many people do we want to die before we come up with a list of what we can expect? How many people have to die before we think about exactly what we are doing ? I mean, what are we doing at the moment and how is it helping? Is it helping Iraq? Is it helping us? Some Iraqis want us there and some don't? What does Iraq want, now that we have created this mess for them, and having created the mess, I suppose we should help fix it, but what does that mean? How much of Iraq's history is preserved and how much has become booty? How much of its literature is still preserved,, its textiles, its art? What are we doing about preserving their civilisation since it is one of the most ancient civilisations in the world?
Petrol at lowest price in weeks
The Advertiser: Petrol at lowest price in weeks:
"ADELAIDE motorists had welcome relief at the petrol pump over the weekend, as lower world oil prices resulted in our cheapest fuel in weeks."
Only because they said it was going to cost us $1.46 and we were planning a boycott. Adverse publicity works. I paid $1.27 at the weekend. Not as dear as the week before but dearer than the week before that. It had been $1.14 and that was a hike from the $1 a litre. It has increased a lot this last year. So much for pay rises. By the time they increase petrol and then dog food has gone up 30 cents a can...the pay rise vanishes. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.
"ADELAIDE motorists had welcome relief at the petrol pump over the weekend, as lower world oil prices resulted in our cheapest fuel in weeks."
Only because they said it was going to cost us $1.46 and we were planning a boycott. Adverse publicity works. I paid $1.27 at the weekend. Not as dear as the week before but dearer than the week before that. It had been $1.14 and that was a hike from the $1 a litre. It has increased a lot this last year. So much for pay rises. By the time they increase petrol and then dog food has gone up 30 cents a can...the pay rise vanishes. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.
Crime cam
The Advertiser: Real-time crime cam:
"The video link system - which uses either a fixed or a portable camera - has already proved useful in several major incidents."
We have got the technology, why not use it? If it is used to help us and help resolve matters we are not able to resolve, then all well and good. There are times when a crime cam would be a safer option for police and times when they could use it to get the back up they need when they cannot physically access the back up. It might also have some good uses in remote areas. I don't see it as Big Brother, but it could well be the beginning of it if it is used as an intimidation tactic rather than an crime spotter. There are elements in protests which can be disturbing when the protest itself was basically just a protest. The one at the G8 summit became suddenly totally out of hand with men in masks with vicious weapons when until that point it hd just been a protest. If violent elements are identified, then so much the better. Sometimes a protest gets rid of the dissatisfaction or makes a point. If it is non violent, there ought not be a problem. If the cime cam is used to gag us, then that is a different issue. In SA, I largely feel it would be of great help to the police and supported by the bulk of the population. People just need to know how it works, what it's about and then how it can be of assistance. Once we understand, SA generally co operates well with new things brought in to help solve community issues. I want a spray which dissolves abandoned cars. It is reaching epidemic proportions . Why this year do they all decide to break down, or be used for get aways or just left unattended for days? They are a traffic hazard and nuisance. Maybe all cars should have a spy cam so you can identify the last driver!! I don't believe I said that.
"The video link system - which uses either a fixed or a portable camera - has already proved useful in several major incidents."
We have got the technology, why not use it? If it is used to help us and help resolve matters we are not able to resolve, then all well and good. There are times when a crime cam would be a safer option for police and times when they could use it to get the back up they need when they cannot physically access the back up. It might also have some good uses in remote areas. I don't see it as Big Brother, but it could well be the beginning of it if it is used as an intimidation tactic rather than an crime spotter. There are elements in protests which can be disturbing when the protest itself was basically just a protest. The one at the G8 summit became suddenly totally out of hand with men in masks with vicious weapons when until that point it hd just been a protest. If violent elements are identified, then so much the better. Sometimes a protest gets rid of the dissatisfaction or makes a point. If it is non violent, there ought not be a problem. If the cime cam is used to gag us, then that is a different issue. In SA, I largely feel it would be of great help to the police and supported by the bulk of the population. People just need to know how it works, what it's about and then how it can be of assistance. Once we understand, SA generally co operates well with new things brought in to help solve community issues. I want a spray which dissolves abandoned cars. It is reaching epidemic proportions . Why this year do they all decide to break down, or be used for get aways or just left unattended for days? They are a traffic hazard and nuisance. Maybe all cars should have a spy cam so you can identify the last driver!! I don't believe I said that.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Modern Little Red Hen
Modern Little Red Hen:
"'That would be overtime for me ,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my welfare benefits,' said the duck.
'I'm a dropout and never learned how,' said the pig.
'If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination,' said the goose."
If you have never read The Modern Little Red Hen, take two minutes to check it out here. Whoever wrote it was really on the ball. It was originally published in Reader's Digest!
"'That would be overtime for me ,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my welfare benefits,' said the duck.
'I'm a dropout and never learned how,' said the pig.
'If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination,' said the goose."
If you have never read The Modern Little Red Hen, take two minutes to check it out here. Whoever wrote it was really on the ball. It was originally published in Reader's Digest!
Yellow faced Honey Eater
I saw a yellow faced honey eater today and so spring must truly be coming because they do not hang around in the cold weather. It has been getting mighty nippy here for the time of year. I found this image and then found the e-text site where it was which was about Captain Charles Sturt's discoveries in Australia. It's a beautiful picture.
Charles Sturt -
Narrative of an expedition into Central Australia
The birds have been having fun lately. The pigeons have been a bit heavy footed on the roof and the pergola, but the blackbirds completely shocked me when I saw one of them stealing the nesting material , piece by piece, which the pigeons had brought to one of the trees. The pigeons have gone off in a sulk now but they'll be back. It's not as if there isn't plenty of nest building material in my garden!! The blackbirds are building a nest down the back.
I also found this site where there are photos of our native birds, including the honey eaters.
Ozbird
Counter-Terrorism
Counter-Terrorism Laws Strengthened:
"The terrorist attacks on the London transport system in July have raised new issues for Australia and highlighted the need for further amendments to our laws. The Government has comprehensively reviewed our existing laws and will move quickly to implement the following new regimes:"
If you missed the changes to the counter-terrorism laws or you kep getting yourself confused, then this is the media release. I had heard some people saying if you were picked up and interviewed with regard to terrorist activity, you would be threatened with prison if you said you had been picked up. Thi s doesn't appear to be the case according to this release, but maybe there is another release?? In any case...don't you think your friends, family, neighbours and work mates would notice you were missing? Or had been apprehended? If they don't, how sad are you?
I love the last one:
12. Terrorist financing
Improve our terrorism financing regime to better implement criminalising financing of terrorism, alternative remittance dealers, wire transfers and cash couriers. The Government will investigate with the States and Territories better ways to ensure charities are not misused to channel funds to terrorists.
Shouldn't they be improving the counter terrorism methodology to ensure the criminalising of financing terrorism...wich they have not, as yet defined, in terms of our law. What's with the regime? I always think of diet and fitness regimes when I hear that word. Seems a bit of a fluffy word to go with counter terrorism measures. Like it's a new diet fad or something. You know, the apples and yogurt regime and the terrorists and tomatoes regime.
"The terrorist attacks on the London transport system in July have raised new issues for Australia and highlighted the need for further amendments to our laws. The Government has comprehensively reviewed our existing laws and will move quickly to implement the following new regimes:"
If you missed the changes to the counter-terrorism laws or you kep getting yourself confused, then this is the media release. I had heard some people saying if you were picked up and interviewed with regard to terrorist activity, you would be threatened with prison if you said you had been picked up. Thi s doesn't appear to be the case according to this release, but maybe there is another release?? In any case...don't you think your friends, family, neighbours and work mates would notice you were missing? Or had been apprehended? If they don't, how sad are you?
I love the last one:
12. Terrorist financing
Improve our terrorism financing regime to better implement criminalising financing of terrorism, alternative remittance dealers, wire transfers and cash couriers. The Government will investigate with the States and Territories better ways to ensure charities are not misused to channel funds to terrorists.
Shouldn't they be improving the counter terrorism methodology to ensure the criminalising of financing terrorism...wich they have not, as yet defined, in terms of our law. What's with the regime? I always think of diet and fitness regimes when I hear that word. Seems a bit of a fluffy word to go with counter terrorism measures. Like it's a new diet fad or something. You know, the apples and yogurt regime and the terrorists and tomatoes regime.
Yet another aircraft problem
The Australian: Global alert after jet out of control:
"An Australian Transport Safety Bureau report released yesterday reveals the pilot in command disconnected the autopilot and lowered the plane's nose to prevent the stall, but the aircraft's automatic throttle responded by increasing the power. The pilot countered by pushing the thrust levers to the idle position but the aircraft pitched up again and climbed 2000ft."
I tell you what, that pilot was such a clear headed, sensible problem solver. Had he panciked or lost condfidence, the people would be dead. This pilot has such extra ordinary coping skills and such a rational brain. Their have been several pilots lately whose cool, clear headed thinking has saved the lives of their passengers. And then there have been some very quick thinking, active locals who have managed to save the lives of passengers too. But how come, this year, we have aircraft glytch after aircraft disaster, after aircraft problem. This year it is going on and on and on. Why would the computers suddenly play up on a Boeing 777?
The pilot ended up manually taking control of the plane and landed it safely. It must have been a horrifying experience...as all these plane things have been. Why all this plane crap in the year 2005?? All explained away in the end, but the rate at which these things are occurring in our flying machines is highly irregular, don't you think?
"An Australian Transport Safety Bureau report released yesterday reveals the pilot in command disconnected the autopilot and lowered the plane's nose to prevent the stall, but the aircraft's automatic throttle responded by increasing the power. The pilot countered by pushing the thrust levers to the idle position but the aircraft pitched up again and climbed 2000ft."
I tell you what, that pilot was such a clear headed, sensible problem solver. Had he panciked or lost condfidence, the people would be dead. This pilot has such extra ordinary coping skills and such a rational brain. Their have been several pilots lately whose cool, clear headed thinking has saved the lives of their passengers. And then there have been some very quick thinking, active locals who have managed to save the lives of passengers too. But how come, this year, we have aircraft glytch after aircraft disaster, after aircraft problem. This year it is going on and on and on. Why would the computers suddenly play up on a Boeing 777?
The pilot ended up manually taking control of the plane and landed it safely. It must have been a horrifying experience...as all these plane things have been. Why all this plane crap in the year 2005?? All explained away in the end, but the rate at which these things are occurring in our flying machines is highly irregular, don't you think?
Cry ,the Beloved Country
This is a journey I have always feared...:
"'This is a journey I have always feared-- where my people have gone never to return. The young men have gone to the mines, so the young women have gone to find them. For who can enjoy the lovely land, and the sun that pours down on the earth, when white will not live equally with black, a land where the white man has everything and the black man has nothing?'"
This is from the film site of Cry, the Beloved Country. I remember reading this powerful novel a long time ago. It was one of those novels which had a formative impact on me. I am pleased to see it has been picked up by magazines and Oprah Winnfrey's bookclub as a must read. Without knowing it had made a come back I had been thinking of finding my copy of Alan Paton's novel and blogging about it. So much of it is relevant in today's political landscape. That is the hallmark of a true classic. It transcends time.
"'This is a journey I have always feared-- where my people have gone never to return. The young men have gone to the mines, so the young women have gone to find them. For who can enjoy the lovely land, and the sun that pours down on the earth, when white will not live equally with black, a land where the white man has everything and the black man has nothing?'"
This is from the film site of Cry, the Beloved Country. I remember reading this powerful novel a long time ago. It was one of those novels which had a formative impact on me. I am pleased to see it has been picked up by magazines and Oprah Winnfrey's bookclub as a must read. Without knowing it had made a come back I had been thinking of finding my copy of Alan Paton's novel and blogging about it. So much of it is relevant in today's political landscape. That is the hallmark of a true classic. It transcends time.
Go the Crows!
The Crows lost to the West Coast Eagles in a very exciting match yesterday. Hard for the Crows when the Eagles supporters were a huge, loud, happy crowd! The Eagles crowd loved their team. In the last quarter one of their team kicked a brilliant goal which more or less tied up the match for sure, but when Simon, on the Crows team, kicked a brilliant goal shortly afterwards, there was nothing. It was too late for his goal to save the match, but it was still a fantastic goal. It would have been a fairy tale ending if the Crows had won. They have become so successful under Neil Craig's tutelage, people have forgotten where they were before he took over. They had had a very lumpy run and were feeling it. Look at them now. They played well and they have become a great team. But the Eagles just flew high yesterday and the Crows were kicking points instead of goals. They need to learn to kick goals!! We would have won easily...because those guys can kick. Well done, though, they have learned so much so fast and are now a force to be reckoned with. I gather a well earned break must be in order.
IO exception
"There were errors. (Hide details ...)
001 java.io.IOException: EOF while reading from control connection "
IO, IO it's off the net we go
Blogger's got it all stuffed up
IO, IO
Yes, I would hide my details too if I was EOF'd while I was reading from the control connection...especially, when , quite clearly, I had NO control. I gather Blogger has been out playing poker all night again.
001 java.io.IOException: EOF while reading from control connection "
IO, IO it's off the net we go
Blogger's got it all stuffed up
IO, IO
Yes, I would hide my details too if I was EOF'd while I was reading from the control connection...especially, when , quite clearly, I had NO control. I gather Blogger has been out playing poker all night again.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Scorched earth policy of 'static man'
The Advertiser: Scorched earth policy of 'static man':
"'I've just never seen anything like it. Imagine a room of four or five firefighters, two electricians and an electrical inspector all standing around scratching their heads.'"
This man conducted 30,000 volts of static electricity through his polar fleece jacket and is alive and well. No one could work it out, not even him and they evacuated 3 buildings. He didn't realise until the loud bang when he got in his car!! It is so bizarre!
"'I've just never seen anything like it. Imagine a room of four or five firefighters, two electricians and an electrical inspector all standing around scratching their heads.'"
This man conducted 30,000 volts of static electricity through his polar fleece jacket and is alive and well. No one could work it out, not even him and they evacuated 3 buildings. He didn't realise until the loud bang when he got in his car!! It is so bizarre!
Iraq is fine
Mosque attack kills 11. :
"There has also been more violence in Baghdad."
"These attacks followed two days of heavy bloodshed, including more than a dozen coordinated car bombings in Baghdad on Wednesday that killed about 150 people and wounded hundreds."
"In a progress report to the Security Council, he said more than 80 per cent of the 1,100 bodies brought in to Baghdad's Forensic Institute in July bore evidence of violent deaths."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200509/s1462106.htm
"Suicide bombers killed 25 police officers in Baghdad yesterday, wreaking more carnage after al-Qaeda in Iraq declared war on majority Shiite Muslims and anyone linked to the US-backed government."
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/
iraq-bombs-claim-30-more-lives/2005/09/15/
1126750077138.html?oneclick=true
"SCOTT BURCHILL: Regrettably, far from it. The intensity of the attacks as well as the sophistication of the explosive devices being used suggests in fact that the insurgency is getting stronger and despite the training of local Iraqi police there's very little evidence that they're getting on top of the problem."
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2005/s1460453.htm
"There has also been more violence in Baghdad."
"These attacks followed two days of heavy bloodshed, including more than a dozen coordinated car bombings in Baghdad on Wednesday that killed about 150 people and wounded hundreds."
"In a progress report to the Security Council, he said more than 80 per cent of the 1,100 bodies brought in to Baghdad's Forensic Institute in July bore evidence of violent deaths."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200509/s1462106.htm
"Suicide bombers killed 25 police officers in Baghdad yesterday, wreaking more carnage after al-Qaeda in Iraq declared war on majority Shiite Muslims and anyone linked to the US-backed government."
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/
iraq-bombs-claim-30-more-lives/2005/09/15/
1126750077138.html?oneclick=true
"SCOTT BURCHILL: Regrettably, far from it. The intensity of the attacks as well as the sophistication of the explosive devices being used suggests in fact that the insurgency is getting stronger and despite the training of local Iraqi police there's very little evidence that they're getting on top of the problem."
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2005/s1460453.htm
Iraq
Beazley's stance on Iraq defeatist: PM.: "Prime Minister John Howard has accused Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley of being defeatist for describing the military situation in Iraq as a quagmire."
It's not a quagmire. It's a blood bath. A complete and utter constant stream of deaths and injuries. Since the parliament has been working on the constitution the number of deathers and explosions has reached epidemic proportions. We have all noticed. The Americans have noticed. The English have noticed. The French, Australians...we have all noted the constant death and destrucition and a number of news and blog sites have comment on the increase. So, it's what I asked the other day. Where is the evidence that it is improving and going forward, because that was what we were hoping and it seemed to be occurring, but now. Check out he figures. It is horrible and heart wrenching and we are all standing by like cabbages in our great green immobility not knowing what to do. The troops being there are not improving the situation.Mr. Beazley and any other politician needs to keep this in front of us because we have people over there being subjected to the ever increasing deaths and destruction . What would happen if we pulled them out and saved their lives? Who knows. But we do have to do something. Too many people are dying. Mr. Howard cannot keep denying this. The Iraqi people have been taken over. They are living in a constant deluge of explosions and blood. So if you want us to believe that the situation is not as we see it, tell us what is improving. It's uncanny how we are all sitting here listening to the numbers of deaths and all we do is take note and do something else. We have no idea what to do. Front up to the facts, face the reality , talk to the Iraqis and work out a plan.
It's not a quagmire. It's a blood bath. A complete and utter constant stream of deaths and injuries. Since the parliament has been working on the constitution the number of deathers and explosions has reached epidemic proportions. We have all noticed. The Americans have noticed. The English have noticed. The French, Australians...we have all noted the constant death and destrucition and a number of news and blog sites have comment on the increase. So, it's what I asked the other day. Where is the evidence that it is improving and going forward, because that was what we were hoping and it seemed to be occurring, but now. Check out he figures. It is horrible and heart wrenching and we are all standing by like cabbages in our great green immobility not knowing what to do. The troops being there are not improving the situation.Mr. Beazley and any other politician needs to keep this in front of us because we have people over there being subjected to the ever increasing deaths and destruction . What would happen if we pulled them out and saved their lives? Who knows. But we do have to do something. Too many people are dying. Mr. Howard cannot keep denying this. The Iraqi people have been taken over. They are living in a constant deluge of explosions and blood. So if you want us to believe that the situation is not as we see it, tell us what is improving. It's uncanny how we are all sitting here listening to the numbers of deaths and all we do is take note and do something else. We have no idea what to do. Front up to the facts, face the reality , talk to the Iraqis and work out a plan.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Man charged over realty murder
The Australian: Man charged over realty murder :
"A man has been charged over the murder and rape of a real estate agent in west Melbourne.
The body of Lorelle Makin, 48, was discovered in a empty house in Melton about 7.10pm (AEST) yesterday."
A 30 year old man has been charged with the muurder and rape of the real estate agent I blogged about earlier. This is going to have to be managed so carefully. It is a big shock for everyone. A lot of trust is placed in our real estate operations and now the real estate operators are going to have to be more wary. It is such a hard thing for us to come to terms with, how must her friends and family be feeling. We are all thinking of her and the people close to her. It is just so hard to believe.
"A man has been charged over the murder and rape of a real estate agent in west Melbourne.
The body of Lorelle Makin, 48, was discovered in a empty house in Melton about 7.10pm (AEST) yesterday."
A 30 year old man has been charged with the muurder and rape of the real estate agent I blogged about earlier. This is going to have to be managed so carefully. It is a big shock for everyone. A lot of trust is placed in our real estate operations and now the real estate operators are going to have to be more wary. It is such a hard thing for us to come to terms with, how must her friends and family be feeling. We are all thinking of her and the people close to her. It is just so hard to believe.
Immigration ineptitude..again
The Advertiser: Students wrongly detained, deported:
"AS many as 300 foreign students may have been wrongly held in detention then deported because of an Immigration Department form containing incorrect information.
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) admits it may face calls for compensation over the bungle."
We look absolutely stupid. Cruel. Inept.8000 students have had their visas cancelled since 2001. Is this the department to protect us from evil and unsavoury influences? They have no idea what they are doing. They cause untold personal, emotional and mental pain ....and on top of that they are costing us big time because people can go through our courts and get compensation. They are wasting bucket loads of our money which could go into schools, hospitals, police, aged care, roads...a great big national bash. Seriously, how much has this department cost our country because it is appallingly incapable of organising the matters within its command??!!! I am embarassed, angry, fed up, horrified and totally fed up. And how many trees have they killed with all their useless bits of paper. Put energy inefficient on their list too. They need a massive overhaul and then severe and extreme monitoring because they cannot be trusted.
"AS many as 300 foreign students may have been wrongly held in detention then deported because of an Immigration Department form containing incorrect information.
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) admits it may face calls for compensation over the bungle."
We look absolutely stupid. Cruel. Inept.8000 students have had their visas cancelled since 2001. Is this the department to protect us from evil and unsavoury influences? They have no idea what they are doing. They cause untold personal, emotional and mental pain ....and on top of that they are costing us big time because people can go through our courts and get compensation. They are wasting bucket loads of our money which could go into schools, hospitals, police, aged care, roads...a great big national bash. Seriously, how much has this department cost our country because it is appallingly incapable of organising the matters within its command??!!! I am embarassed, angry, fed up, horrified and totally fed up. And how many trees have they killed with all their useless bits of paper. Put energy inefficient on their list too. They need a massive overhaul and then severe and extreme monitoring because they cannot be trusted.
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